BASF’s Coatings Division has released the ‘2022 BASF Color Report for Automotive OEM Coatings’. This report analyzes data based on global automotive production and the colors applied to vehicles in 2022.
As in previous years, 2022 saw a prevailing trend of achromatic colors in the global automotive market. However, BASF’s designers found that vibrant colors such as yellow, orange, green, and violet are gradually expanding their market share.
Despite the changing color trends, achromatic colors like white, black, silver, and gray dominated the majority of non-commercial vehicle coatings produced in 2022. Among them, white continued to hold the highest popularity due to its classic appeal, timeless nature, and high resale value.
Car buyers who opted for colors other than achromatic shades showed a preference for blue and red. Although these two colors remain highly popular, other vibrant colors such as yellow, orange, green, and violet also gained market share in most regions of the world. This indicates that the automotive companies targeted by BASF are increasingly embracing diverse and wider ranges of colors than before.
Additionally, the data referenced throughout the report shows that automotive manufacturers are gradually overcoming the challenges posed by the global pandemic and regional supply chain issues, resulting in increased vehicle production.
Like other regions around the world, white was the most popular color in the Asia-Pacific region, but this year, a notable point was the increase in the share of gray colors. This reflects changing consumer values and habits among car buyers, hinting at a new era in the automotive industry.
Although the overall share is small, shades of brown, green, and violet consistently maintained some market presence. Although there is a significant gap compared to the most popular white, these colors have considerably broadened the diversity of colors in the Asia-Pacific region. This trend is especially evident in compact vehicles and new energy vehicles (NEVs) sold in various colors.
The head of BASF’s Coatings Division for Automotive Color Design in the Asia-Pacific region, Chiharu Matsuhara, stated, “Gray colors are becoming more attractive and popular than ever, and consumers are seeking uniqueness and individuality while choosing achromatic shades,” adding, “Gray shades with blue or violet tones are entering the market, showcasing color diversity along with effects like solids or color pearls.”
In the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), the shares of the two most popular colors, white and black, have increased, while the shares of gray and silver have decreased. At the same time, a more diverse range of colors has emerged.
Among vibrant colors, blue remains dominant, yet both blue and red have shown a decline in market share. Orange has started to gain popularity among car buyers, with yellow, brown, and green also gaining some share.
The head of Automotive Color Design for the EMEA region, Marc Gutjahr, noted, “While the shares of white and black have increased significantly, the more remarkable point is the diversity of vibrant colors.” He added that “the combined market shares of yellow, orange, brown, and green reveal the evolving subtle tones and a broader variety of colors that have developed over the past one to two years.”
In North America, while there is a narrower selection of vibrant vehicles compared to other regions, vibrant cars, trucks, and SUVs maintain steady popularity. Blue and red continue to dominate, but the proportions of green, yellow, violet, and beige colors are increasing, showcasing a more diverse palette than before.
The most popular blue color consistently holds the lead, expanding the gap between itself and red. Achromatic colors like black, gray, and silver have seen a slight decline, especially in larger vehicles. Conversely, nature-inspired hues such as beige, brown, and green are gaining ground, with violet also enjoying increased popularity due to changing consumer preferences.
Liz Hoffman, the head of Automotive Color Design for the Americas region, stated, “While blue and red remain the most popular vibrant colors, an increasing number of consumers are gravitating towards natural tones like green, yellow, violet, and beige.” She added, “Car buyers are seeking colors that allow them to express their positivity.”
In South America, automotive buyers leaned towards more traditional and subdued colors. Similar to other regions, white remains the most popular color, with gray surpassing black in share among achromatic options.
When it comes to vibrant colors, red and blue maintain stable shares, with brown also occupying some market share. These colors are mainly preferred by compact vehicle buyers, with achromatic colors like gray, offering fresh and varied effects, holding a higher share in larger vehicles and SUVs.
Marcos Fernandez, the president of the South America Coatings Division, remarks, “The South American market still leans toward conservative choices. While the color selection may be narrower when purchasing vehicles here, exciting and unique effects can still be discovered within each color.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr