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The next fashionable car color will be blue. That’s according to automotive paint supplier PPG. Every year, the Troy, Mich.-based company gives its predictions of upcoming trends, taking things like interior design and consumer products into account. The Ferrari California pictured here shows that even a company famous for producing red machines is embracing the cooler hue.
“Blues, particularly more vibrant, richer, complex blues, will take on a more important role in car styling,” says Jane Harrington, PPG’s manager of color styling for automotive coatings. “It’s one of those colors that complements vehicle shapes. It’s a globally acceptable color. It doesn’t have any bad connotations.”
That other big name in paint, DuPont, agrees. “The source of the trend is influenced by ecological concepts, as we talk about sky, water,” says Karen Surcina, color manager for DuPont. “You can also talk about blue as a sophisticated look.”
PPG has developed more than 130 color concepts for its clients to consider for the 2011 to 2012 model years, including one called Lights Out -- a deep, dark blue accented by sparkling glass flakes.
However, the ubiquitous silver isn’t on its way out quite yet. Among existing cars, it continues to be the most popular color in North America. According to PPG, it’s been the choice for 20% percent of new cars purchased so far in 2008. White comes second with 18%, followed by black at 17% and red at 13%.
Harrington’s explanation for the popularity of silver? “It’s a neutral color that works on just about any car. Black, white and silver are core colors.”