Indians in general are a colourful lot. We’re not talking about the language we (occasionally) use, but about the clothes we wear, the food we eat, our festival of colour (that’s right, it’s Holi) and even the cars we drive. As the colour you choose for your car showcases a part of your personality, vehicle manufacturers today employ psychologists and colour analysts to help identify which colours are in demand, what consumers’ want in the colour palette and what will future colour trends be. These experts have revealed their findings:
White cars – the most popular in the world – reveal a person who is optimistic, extrovert but simple at the same time. The colour is meant to indicate cleanliness, purity, peace, innocence and newness.
Black cars are chosen by those who prefer elegance and stateliness, and by those who prefer to be left alone. Black is meant to denote elegance, sophistication, formality, power and strength.
Blue is what loyal, trustworthy and friendly people choose. Blue signifies peace, professionalism, reliability, trust and honour, but also conservatism.
Silver along with grey are reflective of a person who is calm, somewhat aloof and focused.
Red, a strong colour for any car, points to an extrovert personality-type. It is typically the choice of ambitious, bubbly people who are on the move, full of energy and vigour, aiming to make a statement of their dynamism. The colour is meant to signify warmth, anger, danger, excitement, desire, passion and determination.
Brown is said to be indicative of people who are pragmatic, hence practical and simple. Brown reflects confidence, casualness, earthiness, solidity, reassurance and endurance.
Yellow is the choice of colour for someone who is warm, intelligent and most likely artistic. It is also the colour of someone who wants attention. Yellow is reflective of summer, comfort, energy and happiness.
WHAT'S THE MOST POPULAR CAR COLOUR IN THE WORLD?
According to research conducted by PPG, while nearly 60 percent of consumers identified colour as a major factor in their vehicle buying decision, automakers continue to sell a vast majority of cars (nearly 75 percent) in conservative colours such as white, black, grey and silver.
“Our research indicates that global car manufacturers have good reason to give their brands and models a unique appearance using colour and effects,” said Jane E Harrington, PPG manager, colour styling, automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coatings. “Colour and styling choices by OEMs must be responsive to these differences among potential buyers. They need to consider everyone from technology-focused millennials to family-focused baby boomers, monitoring sales data and style trends to try to predict two or three years in advance of a model year what colours and effects they will offer."
GLOBAL COLOUR TRENDS BY REGION
Asia Pacific: In Asia Pacific markets, white remains most popular (44 percent), followed by black (16 percent), natural and silver (tied at 10 percent each), and gray (7 percent).
North America: In North America, white remains most popular (23 percent), followed by black (19 percent), gray (17 percent), silver (15 percent), red (10 percent) and blue (8 percent).
South America: In South America, white leads in popularity (36 percent), followed by silver (31 percent), black (11 percent), gray and red (tied at 9 percent each), and blue (2.5 percent).
Europe: In Europe, white remains most popular (31 percent), followed by black (18 percent), gray (16 percent), silver (12 percent) and blue (9 percent).
CLICK HERE to find out what your car colour says about your personality.
