PPG Expects More Blue Cars on the Road in 2018 and Beyond

PPG disclosed automotive color trends and data. Blue is shown as the fastest-growing color for automobiles worldwide. PPG data from 2016 showed that blue automobiles increased by 3% as a preference for luxury, mid-range and compact vehicles. This growth trend continued this year across a series of regions worldwide; blue became an increasing 5% color preference for luxury automobiles. As blue becomes more prominent in the automotive market, it shows variability in vehicle-type applications across the globe. In North America, blue is a popular choice for luxury automobiles, while in China it is adopted in mini vehicles. In Europe, consumers prefer blue in sports cars more frequently than in other automobile types. Blue continued to dominate the North American International Auto Show over the past four years, alongside featured applications in the Buick Avista concept automobile, Audi Sport, Volvo S90 and S60, as well as various Mercedes, Porsche and Lexus models. Jane Harrington, Automotive Color Style Manager at PPG, said "PPG's leading position in paint and color forecasting enables us to analyze cross-cultural and cross-sector trends with our 20 global color stylists from seven countries." "We know that automotive color trends are inspired by multiple industries, but are unique compared to fashion or home décor; trends develop and change slowly over time rather than over years, with white, black, grey and silver continuing as popular color choices, and we see a steady increase in automotive demand in blue and brown tones."

PPG automotive color preferences by region for 2017 include the following:

• North America: White (current 25%) remains stable as the best color preference, while black (21%) and grey (17%) increased by 2% and 5% respectively. Silver (13%) declined by 6% and is followed by red and blue (both 10%). • South America: White (current 38%) maintains its dominance in this region, while silver (31%) lags behind, rising 2% compared to the same period last year. Black (10%), grey (9%) and red (8%) ranked among other popular choices. • Europe: White (current 32%), grey (18%), black (17%) and silver (9%) remained nearly consistent with 2016, while blue (9%) showed an increase in consumer preferences. • Asia Pacific: White (current 44%) remained the most popular color in this region. Black (15%), as well as natural colors including silver (10%), gold, beige, orange and brown tones (10%) followed. Harrington noted that consumers desire soothing neutrals in fashion, technology and their homes, and silver and grey colors continue to be popular due to light nuances in color and classic roots. Chameleon-like tones with grey and blue color tones continue to be the best preference among consumers because they represent calm, comfort and middle ground.