White was the most common car color worldwide in Axalta’s 2021 data, at 35%. Black and gray tied for second at 19% each. The regional picture differed: gray led in Europe, while white led in North and South America. These figures describe automotive production and build data, not a poll of what individual buyers prefer.
Global ranking: white led in Axalta’s 2021 report
Axalta’s 69th annual Global Automotive Color Popularity Report analyzed 2021 automotive build data in major markets. Its global ranking was:
| Color | Share |
|---|---|
| White | 35% (21% solid white; 14% pearl white) |
| Black | 19% (3% solid black; 16% effect black) |
| Gray | 19% |
| Silver | 9% |
| Blue | 8% |
| Red | 5% |
| Brown/beige | 3% |
| Green | 1% |
| Yellow/gold | 1% |
| Other | Less than 1% |
Axalta’s report describes the figures as an indicator of market trends based on vehicle builds, rather than a direct measure of consumer preference. Axalta’s 2021 report and its December 21, 2021 release provide the ranking and methodology description.
How rankings differed by region
Axalta’s regional results show why a global ranking does not describe every market. Shares below are from its 2021 build-data report.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- PAINT COLOR SAMPLE BOARDS - Organize paint colors while exploring and comparing them effortlessly with this 24-pack paint board set. Each tester board features a blank space on the front for paint-out and a label on the back to identify all the details of the particular color you are testing
- VERSATILE & PORTABLE- Designed for convenience, this color keeper for paint swatches is easy to carry with you wherever your next project leads you. It’s the ideal kit board for testing paint colors, whether you’re matching or comparing paint shades with carpets, furniture, fabrics, and more
- FASTER START, FINER FINISH - FoamPRO takes the hassle out of painting with efficient and easy-to-use paint tools and supplies that move the process along. Our products make an easy, clean, and convenient way to paint while simultaneously preserving the amount of paint you use for a smooth and efficient process
- HOUSE PAINTING SUPPLIES, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES - We offer everything from Consumer Painting Tools with many advantages over conventional painting tools. Our professional painting tools include Finish Coater and Finest Finish products with added resiliency and durability. Industrial Coating Applicators feature revolutionary new foam that is resistant and impervious to solvents and harsh materials commonly used in industrial coatings
- QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENT - FoamPRO was established in 1952 as a manufacturer of foam painting tools, brooms, and mops. Now, we’ve solidified our position as the innovator and leader in the foam painting tool category with products sold nationwide and internationally in paint, hardware stores, and home centers. Everything we sell is still made in our own factory with the highest quality raw materials and quality control standards to ensure you receive only the best, most efficient paint tools!
| Region | Leading colors and shares |
|---|---|
| North America | White 28%; gray 21%; black 20%; blue 10%; silver 10%; red 8%; brown/beige 2%; green 1%; yellow/gold and other each less than 1%. |
| South America | White 35%; gray 23%; black 19%; blue 11%; silver 7%; red 5%; all other listed groups less than 1%. |
| Europe | Gray 27%; black 22%; white 23%; blue 11%; silver 8%; red 5%; brown/beige 2%; green 1%; yellow/gold 1%; other less than 1%. |
In North America, Axalta’s white total comprised 11% solid white and 17% pearl white; black comprised 8% solid black and 12% effect black. In South America, white comprised 9% solid white and 26% pearl white. Axalta said Europe was the only major region where gray led, for the third consecutive year. The regional report tables show the distributions.
What changed from the previous year?
Axalta reported that gray’s global share rose four percentage points in 2021, while white’s fell three points. White declined in every region, with the largest decrease—seven points—in China. Blue gained one percentage point worldwide. These are year-over-year changes reported by Axalta, not current-year rankings. Axalta’s release summarizes the changes.
Rank #2
- VIBRANT ACRYLIC PAINTS : Shuttle Art 16 Acrylic Paint Set consists of 16 vibrant assorted colors and with BONUS 3 FREE PAINT BRUSHES. Each tube is filled with 12 ml (0.4 oz) paints with rich pigments that are professional artist quality
- VERSATILE PAINTS : Paint lay down is creamy and vivid. Great for teens, beginners or artists for wide range of surfaces, such as canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, clay, walls, nails, crafts and more. Children use acrylic paints in art class and leisure time to develop imagination skills and adults paint to relax and boost creativity, great for creating decorative art for your home
- DURABLE PAINTS : Acrylics dry very quickly. Paint stays on surface extremely well and is durable and long lasting. It’s permanent, waterproof and fade-proof
- HIGH QUALITY THICK PIGMENTS : When acrylic pigments are thin artwork will appear watery and difficult to achieve vibrancy. We have developed a thick and rich pigment that provides superior coverage and maintain smoothness while painting. Conforms to ASTM-D4236, non-toxic and safe for kids
- SERVICE GUARANTEE : Your satisfaction is our top priority, please rest assured to purchase our products. If you are not satisfied with our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time
A separate 2021 snapshot from BASF
BASF also ranked white first, but its figures come from a distinct report and should not be merged with Axalta’s. BASF says its data represent colors sprayed on new vehicles over the preceding year.
| Color category | BASF share |
|---|---|
| White | 37% |
| Black | 17% |
| Gray | 15% |
| Silver | 8% |
| Blue | 9% |
| Red | 6% |
| Brown | 2% |
| Green | 2% |
| Beige | 1% |
| Gold | 1% |
| Orange | 1% |
| Yellow | 1% |
The shares are BASF’s own categories and distribution; they differ from Axalta’s, including in the reported shares for white, black, gray, and blue. Reporting basis and color taxonomy matter when comparing industry reports. See BASF’s January 5, 2022 release and Color Report 2021 press kit.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Versatile use: ideal for flooring, metallic paint, and car color changes, these cards are suitable for multiple applications,oil paint color cards,convenient color cards
- Versatile applications: for use on flooring, metal surfaces, and car color changes, making it highly adaptable,paint colors,paint color cards
- Portable convenience: easy to carry and compare, these cards make color selection simple and efficient,paint color standard sample card,paint color standard samples
- Eyecatching design: the unique design adds a touch of personality to your projects,color cards for painting,paint standard samples
- Precision: crafted with precision, these cards ensure accurate color representation and results,paint samples,paint coloring cards
How to interpret car-color popularity figures
Neither report is a direct survey asking drivers which color they like best. Axalta analyzed 2021 build data in major markets; BASF describes colors sprayed on new vehicles over the preceding year. Both offer industry snapshots, but different methods, reporting periods, and category definitions can produce different percentages.
- Check the scope: a worldwide share can mask regional leaders, as Europe’s gray ranking shows.
- Check the basis: build data and paint applied to new vehicles are production measures, not stated buyer preferences.
- Check the categories: Axalta separates some white and black finishes into solid, pearl, or effect, while reports may group colors differently.
For added context on finishes and personalization, PPG’s 2021 Automotive Color Popularity Report page discusses two-tone finishes, special-order colors, tinted clearcoats, tri-coats, and matte finishes. That material concerns trend context; it does not establish purchase shares for those finish options.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HIGH QUALITY: Constructed with long-lasting High Impact Polystyrene and proudly made in USA. Speed Shapes are the ultimate tool for testing colors and viewing their effects on curved surfaces, a must-have for your sample projects.
- SIZES: Standard Shape Dimensions: 9 1/8" L x 4 5/8" W x 1 3/4" H Standard Size shapes for top-notch testing and display surfaces, or go for our mini speed shapes to cut costs without compromising on quality.
- Choose from our selection of three classic base colors: Black, White, and Primer Gray. With our innovative speed shapes, eliminate the extra step of applying a base or primer color for a more efficient sampling process.
- DISPLAY READY: Speed Shapes come equipped with a convenient top hole, making hanging a breeze. Say goodbye to the hassle of drilling or dealing with flimsy attachments - simply hang and display with ease. Elevate your presentation effortlessly with our user-friendly design.
- VERSITILE: Perfect for showcasing samples to clients or adding a stylish touch to your showroom, these versatile Speed Shapes are ideal for various uses such as auto paint, car wraps, tinting, hydrographics, and hydrodipping.
Rank #4
- Package Includes: this set includes 5 paint color test boards, allowing you to evaluate multiple color options at once, improving your color selection efficiency, and enabling you to choose colors for spaces such as the living room, bedroom, and kitchen
- Moderate Size: measuring about 12 x 9 inches, these paint sample boards provide a larger color display area, allowing you to judge the visual effect of paint on the actual wall surface, and can also be placed side by side for direct color comparison
- Quality Polystyrene Material: these color tester sample boards thickness about 1 mm crafted from polystyrene material, resisting warping after it dries, and you can use it multiple times
- Portable Design: after painting, you can place the sample in different rooms, on different walls, and facing different directions to observe it, helping you to evaluate the color effect under various lighting conditions
- Versatile Uses: except home painting projects, this polystyrene sheet is also an ideal paint sample board for artists who need a color tester sample board for practice; Use it to test color mixtures before applying to final canvases
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
