PPG data shows white continues to dominate as most popular global vehicle color

• Manufacturers offer various effects across whites, blacks and grays.

• Consumers will have access to “high-depth” colors for 2015 models.

• PPG introduced 63 new colors for 2017-2018 models.

TROY, Mich., Nov. 17, 2014 – PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG), the world’s leading manufacturer of transportation coatings, today released its annual automotive color popularity data, showing that white continues to be the most popular car color globally based on 2014 automotive build data. (Additional materials regarding PPG’s 2014 automotive color data are available at newsroom.ppg.com/autocolor14)

According to PPG’s global data, white ranked first (up 3 percent from last year to 28 percent), followed by black (18 percent), and silver and gray tied for third (13 percent each). Silver’s popularity continued to decrease across the globe, dropping seven percent over the last two years. In Asia Pacific markets, white remained most popular (31 percent), followed by silver/gray (23 percent) and black (20 percent).

“Car manufacturers across the world are continually seeking new ways to create a unique appearance for models and vehicle brands. As color selection takes place two or three years in advance of a model year, it is important for auto makers to combine color popularity with global consumer trends,” said Jane E. Harrington, PPG manager, color styling, automotive OEM (original equipment manufacturer) coatings. “Today, automotive manufacturers can choose from a broad array of colors as well as a wide assortment of variations of conservative hues such as white, silver, black and gray, and distinct effects such as micas, glass flakes, fine bright aluminum and hue-shifting pigments.”

Trend highlights from the 2014 data from specific countries include:

• In China, white is most popular (32 percent), followed by black (23 percent), natural shades such as golds, beiges, yellows, oranges and browns (14 percent), and silver (13 percent).

• In Japan, white is most popular (31 percent), followed by black (20 percent), silver (15 percent) and red (12 percent).

• In South Korea, white is most popular (31 percent), followed by black and gray (both 14 percent), and silver (13 percent).

• In the Southeast Asia region, white is most popular (32 percent), followed by silver (19 percent), black (18 percent) and gray (10 percent).

In China, the data revealed that 41 percent of luxury vehicles manufactured in 2014 were black and that smaller vehicles were the most likely to be colorful, with subcompact and mini cars accounting for the highest percentages of blues and reds.

Looking to 2015 models, Harrington said PPG believes drivers will continue to see an increase in natural tones such as coppers, oranges and browns. New models also may be influenced by metal tones such as bronze, pewter and rose gold, which have had significant influence across fashion, jewelry, furniture and industrial design in recent years. In addition, consumers will have access to the same high-definition experience they now readily consume across entertainment platforms, with access to “high-depth” color – a deeper, richer version of color – especially in 2015 models that offer blues, reds and yellows.

PPG Automotive Color Palettes for 2017-2018 Models

In response to continued demand for color innovation in automotive coatings, PPG introduced 63 exterior shades to manufacturers for consideration in styling 2017-2018 model year vehicles. Titled “Elements,” the collection includes four palettes:

• Good Life captures the harmony between man-made and natural elements, emphasizing a spirit of respect for nature and simplicity, and enabling drivers to discover their best balance with life. The palette includes earth tones, golden yellows, weathered browns and foliage greens.

• I’m Pulse reflects the movement of consumers to take control of design through their connections via social media and the growing popularity of the “maker” movement. The palette includes bold bright hues, opaque pastels and urban neutrals.

• Co-Leidescope reflects the growing global eclecticism that is inclusive of ethnicities and cultures. The palette includes spicy-hot reds, gemstone greens, plum and indigo blues that create a bohemian flare.

• Introsense represents a new direction in minimalistic styling that blends clean, pared-down designs with a quiet nature. The palette includes pale-washed blues, greens, corals and purples combined with light, nuanced neutrals.

PPG engages a network of more than 25 color experts with a focus on automotive, architectural, aerospace and consumer-products markets. These specialists analyze design trends, consumer preferences and priorities across regional, cultural and global markets to determine factors that will influence future color choices. The new colors and palettes introduced this year for automotive manufacturers reflect developments across these markets and influences.

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PPG Industries' vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty materials company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in nearly 70 countries around the world. Reported net sales in 2013 were $15.1 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPGIndustries on Twitter.