White Becomes Top Choice New Car Buyers

The difference between Europe and North America is black and white.

People on this side of the pond prefer white vehicles. One in five 2011 models sold in North America was white.

Europeans, however, heeded Mick Jagger's advice and painted one in four 2011 models black.

A splash of red or orange or even navy blue at the top of the color chart would have been inspirational — but that never happens. As automotive color consumers, Americans are color blind. So are Europeans.

These top consumer choices were provided Wednesday by PPG Industries Inc., Troy-based paint specialists that reveal the most popular automotive colors every year during the Automotive Color Trend Show. And for nearly a decade, that color has been silver, which was a very close second to white in North America this year. Before silver's long reign, white was the top choice.

Agent009 - 10/6/2011 2:21:02 PM

+3 Boost

You are a cold man. Bet it looks better on your Tercel.

vdiv - 10/7/2011 7:29:08 PM

+2 Boost

Technically black and white are not colors, or more precisely black is no colors and white is all colors. Regardless I wonder why they even bother with paint, just slap some clear coat on the primer and save some weight.

Joe_Limon - 10/8/2011 12:29:38 AM

0 Boost

If you want to get into technicalities, you're both right and wrong. Absence of light aka dark, is no colours, and all the colours of light mixed together is white light. In terms of dye however the reverse is true, mix all the shades together and you'll end up with black, have no dye and it will stay white.

Chip - 10/6/2011 2:00:17 PM

+4 Boost

I never noticed the lack of color on today's cars until I got a beautiful blue (BMW LeMan Blue)

It seems like every car on the road is black, white or gray.

sdcarguy - 10/6/2011 2:18:57 PM

+6 Boost

I think it may map to US population migration to warmer (sunnier) climates. Lots of white cars in Spain as I recall.

MercBasher - 10/6/2011 2:40:07 PM

+4 Boost

I consider Silver to be so "last decade," and wish there would be a resurgence in 1970's colors [like green, powder blue, orange and yellow] or even 1950's pastels like lime and pale reds.

The colors on vehicles today are so boring ... reflecting I guess the prolonged financial decline of the middle classes.

If you represent a German manufacturer and you are reading this please please bring back a broader range of colors. For example I think the Audi A7 would look great in a metallic green.

g2ok - 10/6/2011 2:44:23 PM

+3 Boost

Black is better for colder climates with less sunshine like Europe. White is better in hotter climates like the frying pan we were in this summer. That's my theory.

vdiv - 10/7/2011 7:34:32 PM

+2 Boost

I've found that the interior color is more important in this regard, so I always go for sand color. It makes the car brighter, cooler in the summer, and generally more festive.

CliffordExplorer - 10/7/2011 5:02:34 PM

+1 Boost

I've always wished more companies would offer a metallic green. The only one I know of is the Camry, which I've only ever seen like 5 on the road. Besides that, I'll take my Toreador Red Ford any day of the week. Shines beautifully.

vdiv - 10/7/2011 7:43:13 PM

+1 Boost

Forrest green or light green? Honda, Nissan and some have had this green-tea metallic color that I was very skeptical about but it has grown on me. Maybe I am stereotyping but any and all off-road vehicle should be available in green.

Also imagine any super car that does not have a bright red or a screaming orange or a crazy yellow color. It just would not be the same.

Joe_Limon - 10/8/2011 11:04:10 AM

+1 Boost

Synergy green camaro :)