AkzoNobel names ‘Rhythm of Blues’ as its colour of the year

AkzoNobel is setting the tone for the future of mobility with ‘Rhythm of Blues’ – its 2026 Colour of the Year.

Rhythm of Blues reflects the moods, movements, and emotional rhythms shaping the next generation of automotive design, according to AkzoNobel.

Rhythm of Blues comprises a trio of distinctive blue hues – ‘Slow Swing’,’Mellow Flow’, and ‘Free Groove’.

Engineered with AkzoNobel’s advanced coatings technology, each shade features “tailored effects that deliver depth, durability, and visual movement – making them ideal for OEM design studios, concept development, and custom refinish applications alike”.

“In today’s fast-moving and changing world, people are responding in different ways,” explains Gareth Bryant, colour design lead, automotive and specialty coatings marketing.

“They either feel the need to slow down, focus and recharge, or to be connected to others and celebrate kinship, while others want to be bold and express themselves more freely. As we understand that colour is emotion and therefore personal, we’ve chosen a family of Blues that allow automotive designers to explore and express different styles and meet individual needs.”