BASF releases "2021 BASF Automotive Original Paint Color Report"

BASF Coatings Department released the "2021 BASF Automotive Original Paint Color Report", which uses extensive data analysis and in-depth industry insights to interpret the global automotive color trends in the past year

Achromatic shades of white, black, silver and grey are still the most popular body colours, which not only show a classic beauty that transcends time constraints, but also have a strong connection with the environment, high technology and more

As BASF's color designers accurately predicted many years ago, the development of blue is booming, and red is rising like the rising sun, grabbing the market share of achromatic colors in many parts of the world

The automotive industry faces unprecedented challenges in 2021, with the total vehicle production of the global automotive production line in 2020 and 2021 significantly lower than in previous years

White remains the most popular color in Asia Pacific, but its popularity is starting to decline

Although the market share of individual colors has fluctuated, the trend of colored vehicles in the Asia-Pacific region is still stable

Chiharu Matshara, Head of Automotive Color Design, Asia Pacific, BASF, said: “The Asia Pacific region is the region with the largest production volume of automobiles in the world, and it also reflects the diversity of colors best compared to other regions

The color market share in the EMEA region has reached a 20-year peak, now exceeds 27%, and continues to rise

Blue still leads the color market.

Among achromatic colors, white is still the most popular color, followed by gray

Mark Gutjahr, Head of Automotive Color Design EMEA at BASF, said: "The colors are based on familiar colors in EMEA, but changed through new effects, subtle color gradients, or specific flashes.

Blue's market situation changed in North America, where its market share fell by 4% compared to last year

Achromatic shades still dominate the North American car line and are showing a surge

In the color system, the market share of red and green has both increased by 1%, and the former and blue have become the most popular colors in North America

A shortage of raw materials in 2021 is forcing automakers to make tough choices when allocating scarce resources, and they appear to be leaning toward larger, more popular segments in a downturn

Paul Czornij, Head of Automotive Color Design Americas at BASF, said: “The North American market appears to be changing the direction of preferences faster
.
As demand rises and supply falls, consumers may be forced to make more pragmatic and less emotional choices.
.
Consumers have moved quickly to more familiar shades in the achromatic
gamut .
”

Blue is showing a trend in the world
.
In South America, blue took the share of red in the color market, showing a 3% increase
.
While consumers in the region generally tend to be conservative, some emerging colors will still catch their eye
.

While automotive designers typically develop colors three to four model years ahead, the South American market is following what was expected a few years ago, i.
e.
color selection trends tend to be slower than in other regions
.

Marcos Fernandes, Head of Automotive Coatings South America, BASF Coatings, said: “With substantial growth, blue has really established itself as a market leader in South America
.
Whether it’s sky blue or navy blue, more car buyers are turning to the blue shade
.
We used some beautiful effect pigments, especially metallics, to bring the allure of blue to the extreme
.
”

About BASF's Coatings business unit

BASF's Coatings business unit, as a global specialist in the development, production and sales of innovative and sustainable coatings, continues to provide the industry with automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinish coatings, decorative coatings, as well as metals, plastics and glass for various industries.
Advanced solutions including substrate surface treatment products
.
We launched the "Innovation Beyond Paint" program to further develop new markets and businesses
.
BASF's Coatings business unit is committed to creating advanced solutions, driving performance improvements, and facilitating the development of new designs and applications to meet the needs of partners around the world
.
We also benefit our customers by sharing the knowledge, capabilities and resources of our global cross-industry team through a network of production sites across Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific
.
In 2020, the Coatings business unit achieved global sales of approximately EUR 3.
1 billion
.