The 2023 BASF Color Report Unveiled: A Noteworthy Shift, Though Not the One I Hoped For

Every year, BASF’s Automotive Coatings division unveils its Color Report, and every year, I eagerly peruse the findings, hoping for a colorful uprising against the grayscale dominance. Alas, the 2023 report, much like its predecessors, doesn't herald a chromatic revolution. However, it does hint at a shift in the traditional automotive color wheel, albeit within the dominant achromatic realm.

From my vantage point, the global car color landscape remains rather bleak, with a staggering 81% embracing achromatic/grayscale tones and a mere 19% venturing into the realm of actual, vibrant colors. The situation in North America mirrors this monotony, with 80% of cars draped in grayscale hues. Reds and blues claim the lion's share of the colorful spectrum, while orange, yellow, and green struggle for visibility, especially with green making up only 1% globally and 2% internationally.

The purported transformation causing a stir among BASF's color aficionados is the decline of white, the reigning champion among car colors, giving ground to its dark counterpart – black. In their words, "white continues to hold its position as the most popular color for light passenger vehicles, but it has seen a notable decrease in market share. In contrast, black has surged in popularity, gaining market share at the expense of white." The grand upheaval amounts to black stealing three percentage points from white – a noteworthy, if not exactly earth-shattering, shift.

Breaking down the color preferences across BASF's four global regions offers some interesting insights. The Asia Pacific region stands out as a rainbow ray of hope, showcasing increased color diversity, possibly influenced by the dynamic Chinese car market's penchant for newness and novelty. In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), achromatics gain ground, but bright spots like Italy's impressive 30% share of chromatic colors add a splash of variety. South America disappoints with a high 86% embracing achromatic tones, though BASF attempts to inject excitement by noting the popularity of "effects pigments" that add flair to non-colors.

The notable exception in the achromatic sea is the verdant tsunami – a doubling of the percentage of green cars globally from 1% to an awe-inspiring 2%. While this may seem modest, it's a promising sign for green car enthusiasts like myself. To share a more grounded perspective, I've enlisted the insights of my lovely wife, Sally, who appreciates cars without delving into the depths of car geekdom. As a talented designer, her perspective on colors adds a touch of rationality to the discussion.

In conclusion, while the automotive world may not be painting itself in the vivid hues I yearn for, the subtle shifts in color preferences hint at the ever-evolving palette of consumer choices. The chromatic journey continues, with each shade telling a unique story and turning the mundane act of vehicle selection into an exploration of individual tastes and preferences.