The world of cars is getting greyer and greyer and it's not just an impression

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.

As for the heat accumulated by dark surfaces, the company does not foresee an abandonment of black for climatic reasons: the internal temperature depends more on windows and air conditioning than on the color of the bodywork. According to the expert, the trend is not destined to change: bright colors like orange or green appear in advertisements or on sports models but are purchased much less than neutral colors. At most, subdued shades of green, blue, and natural colors could gain ground.

The Astra data show slight gender differences: women, who are registered owners of 37% of vehicles, have a more pronounced preference than men for purple, orange, and red, but they also choose grey, black, and white in the majority.

Monochromy does not only concern the roads. An analysis by the online retailer Galaxus cited by TA reveals that black clothing has gone from 33% in 2019 to over 43%. Those under 30 are the most faithful to the dark look: 60% of the items purchased are black. Consequently, the retailer orders more and more black items. Even IKEA sofas have progressively narrowed down to neutral colors like white, grey, and beige.

The phenomenon is historical: a study by the Science Museum in London on 7000 photographs of everyday objects from the last two centuries shows that color has given way to a dominant anthracite, while shapes have become more square and uniform. According to Therese Hänni, director of the Koloristika training center in Bern, current fashion rewards minimalism and durability: 'A winter coat in a basic shade is used longer than a pink one, and neutral pieces match better,' she explains in statements reported by TA. For young people, black is a uniform that does not expose them to judgment: 'In a phase of searching for their own identity, they do not want to stand out but to adapt. Group pressure determines choices.' In the past, youth groups were much more colorful. Hänni adds a psychological aspect. 'Color, for many, appears less valuable. Black or brown gives the idea of an expensive piece. Luxury is never orange, which seems cheap and noisy.' The only exception remains sports: in skiing or cycling, bright colors persist. As for a possible return to variety, Hänni is categorical: 'The lack of boldness in fashion and consumers will keep us prisoners of black, gray, and brown for a long time.' Among those commenting online on the news, there are also much more pragmatic reasons to explain the situation in the automotive sector, dictated by supply influencing demand. 'If gray or white are cheap and immediately available, while a custom color costs several hundred or over a thousand francs more, many buyers do not choose gray out of passion but because of the price and availability,' observes a user.

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