White and Silver the Most Popular Car Colors

White/white pearl has emerged as the fastest growing color to tie with silver as the world's leading automotive color choices, according to the 2011 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report, released today. A substantial increase in the popularity of white/white pearl globally in 2011 has enabled it to surpass longstanding rivals black and gray, to join silver at the top of the world color ranks in this year's report. The DuPont report, in its 59th year, is the longest running and largest of its kind in the industry, includes automotive color popularity rankings and regional trends from 11 leading automotive regions of the world.

In 2010, white/white pearl was tied for third with gray in the world color ranks with just 16 percent share, but its ongoing popularity in North America, combined with a surge in popularity in Europe, China, Korea, South America and South Africa, has helped to increase its position in 2011 to 22 percent globally. Black and gray dropped to third and fourth, respectively, in this year's report with red and blue strengthening and holding positions in fifth and sixth place.
The top global vehicle colors in DuPont's report are as follows:

1. White/White Pearl and Silver – tie, 22 percent
3. Black/Black Effect – 20 percent
4. Gray – 13 percent
5. Red – 7 percent
6. Blue – 6 percent
7. Brown/Beige – 5 percent
8. Green – 2 percent
9. Yellow/Gold – 1 percent
10. Others – 2 percent

"While white/white pearl has historically been a popular color for vehicles, we've seen a bigger shift in its popularity this year than DuPont expected," said Nancy Lockhart, DuPont color marketing manager.

Silver and black have long been recognized in the top three for color popularity. However, in the past few years, white/white pearl has been steadily growing in popularity outside of North America. In 2011, it jumped by more than four percentage points, according to Lockhart. "There has been increased consumer acceptance for white, and our OEM customers are meeting consumer demand for the clean look it brings to vehicle design," she said. "Silver and black were once the top colors of luxury, but white has increased in this area. The overall trend for casual luxury has spread to numerous vehicle types. The expectation to have a luxurious feel to the vehicle is globally sought. Classic white and pearlescent white effects are inspiring luxury design.