The world of cars is getting greyer and greyer and it's not just an impression (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• The world of cars has become increasingly grey.
• In 1985, red was the most popular color for new registrations, with nearly 23%.
• Today, red represents only 4% of new registrations.
• Blue represents 9%, green 5%.
• 80% of cars are dominated by grey, black, and white.

Key facts

• What: The world of cars has become more grey.
• When: From 1985 to today.
• Where: Switzerland.
• Who: Federal Roads Office (Astra).
• Amount: 23% in 1985, 4% today.

The world of cars has become increasingly grey, and it's not just an impression. The reasons for this chromatic uniformity range from the minimalism in vogue to the lower costs of standard colors offered by car manufacturers.

ZURICH - Those who have the impression that a few decades ago the Swiss car fleet was much more colorful are not wrong. According to a special analysis carried out by the Federal Roads Office (Astra) for the media outlets of the Tamedia group, in 1985 red was the most popular color for new registrations, with nearly 23%. Today, that share has been reduced to 4%. Blue represents 9%, green 5%. The remaining 80% is dominated by three 'non-colors': grey, black, and white. In 1996, these shades covered just a third of the total.

The phenomenon is global

According to the paint manufacturer Axalta, only 20% of cars worldwide have vibrant colors. In an article published today on the online site of the Tages-Anzeiger (TA), Michael Baumann, of Amag, the largest Swiss importer, explains the trend with the customers' preference for timeless and widely appreciated colors.

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Operational details

Practical implications

The trend towards neutral colours such as grey, black and white has practical implications for Swiss consumers. Automakers offer standard colors at lower costs than custom colors, influencing buyers' choices. This phenomenon is not only limited to cars, but also extends to clothing and furnishings, where neutral colours are increasingly predominant.

Comparison with the previous situation

In 1985, red was the most popular colour for new registrations, with almost 23%. Today, that share has dropped to 4%. Blue accounts for 9%, green for 5%. The remaining 80% is dominated by grey, black and white. This change reflects a global trend towards neutral and timeless colours.

Future scenarios

According to Michael Baumann of Amag, the trend towards neutral colours is not going to change. Bright tints such as orange or green appear in advertisements or on sports models, but are purchased much less than neutral colors. At most, they could gain terrain sober shades of green, blue, and natural colors.

Gender differences

The Astra data show slight gender differences: women, who own 37% of cars, have a more marked preference than men for purple, orange and red, but they also choose mostly grey, black and white. This indicates that the preference for neutral colors is transversal to both genders.

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Key points

What to do if you want a custom color

If you want a custom color for your car, it's important to consider the additional costs. Standard colors are generally cheaper and immediately available, while custom colors can cost several hundred or over a thousand francs more. It is advisable to inquire with car manufacturers about the cost and availability of custom colours.

# Car Buying Tips

Before buying a car, it is useful to compare the costs of standard and custom colors. In addition, you can consult registration statistics to understand which colors are most popular and which might be more difficult to find in the future.

Useful tools

For more information and to compare car costs, you can use our calcolatore stipendio. This tool allows you to calculate the total cost of the car, including the costs of custom colors.

Conclusion

The trend towards neutral colours in cars is a global phenomenon that reflects consumer preferences for timeless and widely liked shades. Although bright colours hold up in some areas such as sport, most cars and everyday objects are dominated by grey, black and white. It is important to consider the cost and availability of custom colors before making a purchase.

Source: tio.ch