Forecasting Automobile Colors

Spirit-of-time-teams forecast individual and vibrant shades for the future
“The new DuPont OEM Coatings Color Show, “Winning with Color”, joins trend-setting
ideas with innovative development of worldwide OEM colors. Six teams with substantial
trend potential are entering the race: Classic, Adventure, Racing, Esprit, Vogue and Eco
are representative of current driving forces as well as consumer needs.
Multicolor iridescent variants, sparkling mica particles and unusual effect combinations
are among the stylish innovations to open up the conventional color concepts. The result
comprises mixed hybrid colors and shades that fulfill the demand for purity and
individuality. The triumph of colorful but also subtle shades is clearly crystallized in this
case. Colors are interpreted individually depending on the team orientation and thus
personalized for tomorrow’s market.
Tomorrow’s automobile colors must attract attention but should not be obtrusive; they
should be sophisticated and elegant. The important point here is to use the great range of
effect possibilities confidently and harmoniously. This color concept actively addresses
the future language of automobile shapes. The industry is deliberately playing with
accents and clearly defined edges internationally. Round shapes contrast with austere
lines. Tomorrow’s automobiles gain excitement, originality and modern charisma when
combined with the right color outfit.”
Information found at: http://www.dupontrefinish.eu/dupontrefinish/com/en/PDF/Color_Popularity_2007_MR.pdf

PPG consists of a group of experts who have forecasted the North American color automobile trends for 2009-2010:
"Blue: The color blue will increase in popularity, with updated rich classic blues featuring sparkle effects for a unique iridescence and some shades featuring green and red casts. Medium-valued blues with silver highlights also add new dimension to the palette.

Green: Nature-inspired textures and patterns will expand the range of greens, especially with continued consumer interest in the environment and “green” products. The color will be enhanced with a light, almost translucent hue on one end of the spectrum, while a combination of green with brown will create a new dark khaki on the other.

Naturals: The metallic looks seen in fashion, packaging and product design are strong influences on the natural color family. Medium values will showcase subtle tones of copper and bronze, while special-effect pigments will help create contemporary and luxurious browns influenced by wood and leather products.

Red: This classic color palette will be highly influenced by interior design, resulting in deep burgundies and bright, saturated reds. With new effect pigments, the depth and brilliance of red can be expanded.

Neutrals: Comprised of silvers, blacks and whites, the neutral family has strong ties to fashion. Blacks with metallic effects will be the new focus. Tonal whites and pearl colors will continue to become established. Silvers will continue to develop with the addition of metallic flake and effect pigments, while a move to darker graphite colors with slight tints of brown and green will add new interest."
Information straight from the website: http://www.pcimag.com/Articles/Industry_News/faa17b36eddbe010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____

The CNW Marketing Research Company links car color and personality
Emerald Green Car – calming and refreshing (positive outlook drivers)
Red – most intense color (drivers tend to be aggressive)
Black – sign of power and elegance (submissive/downbeat drivers)
White – A light and neutral color
Blue – creates a calming effect
Information found at: http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/2008/06/what-your-car-color-may-say-about-your-psyche-mood-outlook.html

According to the Dupont Car Color report and Forbes Auto…
- Automobile color experts derive inspiration anywhere from street wear fashion to cell phones
- White, silver, and black dominate the automobile industry globally
- The most popular color on the market is silver
- Car enthusiasts worldwide are beginning to look toward more blue treatments
- 2009 Dodge Ram will be offered in new and inventive colors including
- Deep Water Blue Pearl
- Austin Tan Pearl
- Finishes will be more liquid, metal like and shift towards metallic
- Violet blues will begin to emerge
- Gold and green are predicted to reemerge as popular automobile colors
- Luxury colors will reach towards neutrals such as brown and grey
- 2008 - Uncertainty in economics has led North Americans to seek more traditional/conservative colors such as red and white
- Some believe that consumers will seek an olive green color for the automobile in the future
Information found at: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS162529+10-Jun-2008+PRN20080610 and http://www.forbesautos.com/news/features/2007/car-color-trends.html

*Making the decision on what car color to buy can be a long term investment as well as a way to express your personality. Car colors, much like colors in apparel and accessories shift according to a variety of factors including economics, environment, and trends. Ultimately from the research I have done regarding automobile color, the future trend seems to be breaking away from the traditional popular color of silver, and leaning toward blues and greens. The finish will change as well to more of a metallic, metal like finish.