DuPont releases automotive colour popularity report
The DuPont Automotive Colour Popularity report, in its 60th year, is the largest and longest running report of its kind in the automotive industry. It is the only report to include global automotive colour popularity rankings and regional trends from 11 leading automotive regions of the world.
The 2012 report, released in December 2012, reveals that white/white pearl dominates the global popularity survey with 23 per cent for the second consecutive year. Globally black/black effect moves into second place with 21 per cent thanks to its strength in Asia Pacific and its worldwide perception of luxury and high quality, and third place is held by silver with 18 per cent.
In Europe white/white pearl is also the leading colour choice with 24 per cent overtaking black/black effect with 23 per cent of the market; black/black effect has been losing popularity in the region since it peaked in 2009, however, it maintains its leadership position in the intermediate/MPV and luxury/luxury SUV categories. White/white pearl also topped the compact/sport and truck/SUV categories in Europe.
Ann De Clerck, colour marketing manager DuPont Refinish, EMEA, says “the significance of white is represented in sustainability preferences and advanced design. White pearlescent shades are growing in popularity as well, although their use is minimal compared to solid whites.”
Grey (15 per cent) and silver (14 per cent) both decreased in popularity this year in Europe, while blue continues to increase, grabbing eight percent of the overall European market in 2012.
Linda Van Calster, marketing communications manager, DuPont Refinish EMEA, says, “our bodyshops welcome this report each year as it helps them know what colours to expect in the spraybooth. The DuPont Refinish colour team also looks to the DuPont annual colour trend show – this year called Color Mind – for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers as an invaluable source. It enables us to identify new colours and trends before they are commercially available which means in turn we are able to supply the relevant refinish colours to the aftermarket very quickly – helping our bodyshops be as productive as possible.”