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White is most popular vehicle color globally, at 35 percent of all
vehicles built in 2015.
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Color is major factor in vehicle-buying decision for 60 percent of
consumers surveyed.
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Consumer responses indicate significant preference for metallic-effect
color finishes.
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PPG introduces 64 new colors for 2018-2019 models.
TROY, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 30, 2015--
PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG), the world’s leading coatings company, today
released its annual automotive color popularity data. While research
conducted by the company found that nearly 60 percent of consumers
identified color as a major factor in their vehicle-buying decisions,
automakers continue to sell a vast majority of cars (nearly 75 percent)
in conservative colors such as white, black, gray and silver.
(Additional materials regarding PPG’s 2015 automotive color data are
available at newsroom.ppg.com/autocolor15.)
According to PPG’s global build data, white was the most popular color
(up 7 percent from last year to 35 percent), followed by black (17
percent) and silver (12 percent). Regional trend highlights from the
2015 data include:
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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).
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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).
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In Europe, white remains most popular (31 percent), followed by black
(18 percent), gray (16 percent), silver (12 percent) and blue (9
percent).
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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).
In research that PPG conducted among consumers in the U.S. and Europe,
three in five respondents (59 percent) said color was a major factor in
their vehicle-buying decisions. In fact, more than half of respondents
said that if the color they wanted was not available on the lot, they
would wait for it to become available before finalizing their purchase
instead of purchasing a vehicle in a second-choice color. PPG’s research
also indicated that:
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Metallic colors are more popular among men, while women show a
preference for solid, single-color non-metallic-looking gloss finishes
and pearlescent/colored sparkle effects.
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Automotive color and appearance are especially important among
style-conscious male consumers ages 18-39, with respondents saying
that they want a vehicle to exude an image of success and in many
cases would be willing to pay more to own a vehicle that adequately
reflects their personality.
“Our research indicates that global car manufacturers have good reason
to give their brands and models a unique appearance using color and
effects,” said Jane E. Harrington, PPG manager, color styling,
automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coatings. “Color 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 colors and effects they will offer.
“With a full spectrum of colors that can range in appearance from bright
sparkle to silky pearlescence, carmakers today have an endless variety
of options. Because we know selecting the right look for a specific
brand is very important to each automotive company, PPG helps our
customers develop distinctive colors to enhance their future vehicles,”
she added.
Looking to 2016 automotive models, Harrington said the PPG forecast
predicts drivers will see more vehicles in shades of blue and orange.
Reviewing featured models at international auto shows is an important
trend-forward focus, she said, noting that the 2015 North American
International Auto Show in Detroit highlighted vehicles in “great
layered blues” and the International Geneva Motor Show this year
introduced important models showcasing orange- and copper-influenced
finishes.
PPG Automotive Color Palettes for 2018-2019 Models
In response to continued demand for color innovation in automotive
coatings, PPG introduced 64 exterior shades to manufacturers for
consideration in styling 2018-2019 model year vehicles. Titled
“AMPLIFY,” the collection includes four color-trend story palettes:
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Hyper HD is a colorful and impactful theme that welcomes
self-expression, performance and modern technology. The palette
includes an extroverted blend of virtual and real-world enhanced color
– a mix of dazzling bright hues with the layered effects of tinted
clears and tri-coats.
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IM perfect is a global trend named as a play on words,
celebrating the perfection of imperfections and authenticity in
individuals living their best lives and focusing on their uniqueness
with an emphasis on wellness. This more organic palette is influenced
by nature, with somewhat subdued hues such as foliage greens as well
as copper and brass metal tones.
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Knight’s Watch is a stronghold theme providing sturdy
reassurance for safety and security through traditional colors
representing refuge and confidence. Like a silent guard, the visual
code of this palette communicates strength and protection with dark,
dramatic jewel tones and blackened metal shades.
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Lucid Dreams reflects calmness, sensitivity and privacy,
portraying a refuge from technology overload with fluid, graceful
design. The palette consists of pastel tones with slightly more color
as interpreted in metallic whites, mint greens, anodized gold/beige
tones and sky blues.
PPG engages a global network of more than 20 color experts with a focus
on automotive, architectural, aerospace and consumer-products markets.
These specialists analyze design trends, consumer preferences and
priorities across regional, cultural and global markets to determine
factors that will influence future color choices. The new colors and
palettes introduced this year for automotive manufacturers reflect
developments across these markets and influences.
PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.™
PPG Industries' vision is to be the world’s leading coatings company by
consistently delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable
solutions that customers trust to protect and beautify their products
and surroundings. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and
color, PPG provides added value to customers in construction, consumer
products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets to
enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded
in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in more
than 70 countries around the world. Reported net sales in 2014 were
$15.4 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange
(symbol:PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com
and follow @PPGIndustries
on Twitter.
Bringing innovation to the surface is a trademark of PPG
Industries Ohio, Inc.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150930005111/en/
Source: PPG Industries, Inc.
PPG Industries, Inc.
Mark Silvey, PPG Corporate Communications,
412-434-3046
silvey@ppg.com
www.ppg.com