Global and Local Car Colors

Do you go to your local car show?  Well, if you're in Geneva, Switzerland, your "local" show is the 80th International Motor Show.  Nice.

Though my dose of Swiss includes cheese, chocolates, and some very reliable luggage, I do also share their passion for automotive design.  If you, like me, aren't going to Geneva, don't be distressed.  There are auto shows in many other places, too.  And the world is indeed getting a little smaller.  For the first time, Dupont released their color findings for the Global auto market as a whole.  The top selling colors across the planet?

   Silver – 25 percent
   Black – 23 percent
   White – 16 percent
   Gray – 13 percent
   Blue – 9 percent
   Red – 8 percent
   Brown/Beige – 4 percent
   Green – 1 percent
   Yellow/Gold – 1 percent
   Ubiquitous "Others" category – <1 percent

Automotive design and color can offer many hints of what's to come in fashion and interiors, too.  I especially look at the color, the finishes, and the details in hardware.  Locally, I went to my car show and found lots and lots of black white, but that just made the pops of color stand out even more. 

Best color match: Autumn Cover that I used for my dining room

 

This color was iridescent turning blue in one direction and green in the other, reminding me of Benjamin Moore's Metallic pearlescent tint glaze colors- can we say "luscious"?

Most unique car color I saw was this copper toned orange brown.  Similar to Greenfield Pumpkin HC-40

I found that design was still in the details like Audi's linear lights within the front lamps, their angular wheel accents, and an etched Cadillac symbol within the lamps of their Hybrid SUV

 
 

There were hidden hardware elements everywhere.  Door handles are disappearing and leaving just a sleek silhouette behind

Look into your local car show for unexpected design inspiration, too.  If you're in Chicago, the Auto Show is on from Feb 12-21.  Los Angeles hosts their show in the fall, November 19-28 with the first two days exclusively reserved for press.  If you're in New York, the Jacob Javits Center will be brimming with autophiles April 2-11.  If you're somewhere in between, check your local resources for the show closest to you.

If you still really really want to get to Geneva, Peugot will begin giving away admission starting February 23.  But remember, you've got to get to Geneva on your own.  Happy Trails!

Comments

[Leisa Dreps]

Did you notice that 3 of the top 10 colors are shades of black? I guess that's what most people go for nowadays -- the elegant and sleek look. It gives others the impression of sophistication while emanating a sense of mystery. But isn't it harder to drive a dark colored car at night?

[Los Angeles Auto Shipping Center]

Oh man, what's on that last photo, a Peugeot? That whole side of it, door handle and all, is just a fountain of awesome. Kind of reminds me of the Mitsubishi Eclipse