In the evolving world of car features, people look forward to the latest designs, electronic gadgets and fuel-saving systems. But, car colors change just as dramatically with time. Car manufacturers are constantly working to come up with unique paint colors, usually three years ahead of time. These colorful variations are backed by research, science and artistic influence.

Learn more about what goes into creating new car paint colors and which colors are most popular.

Car color trends

Auto industry experts have established an overall trend in car colors: Consumers tend to buy cars in muted, conservative colors like black, white and silver during economically tough times. This may be because neutral- car colors are perceived as easier to re-sell, plus they convey a more somber, frugal attitude. When economic times are better, you’re likely to see more vibrant hues including yellows, oranges and bright reds.

According to the annual DuPont Global Automotive Color Popularity Report, silver is the most popular car color in the world, and has been for many years. Drilling down into specific regions, white takes the top spot in North America while black dominates in Europe. However, DuPont has noticed a recent North American trend: only 17.8% of cars were white in 2009 (compared to 31% in 2003). Meanwhile, black has been steadily gaining in popularity during this time.

Here’s a look at the most recent rankings of popular vehicle colors:

1. Silver: 25%
2. Black: 23%
3. White: 16%
4. Gray: 13%
5. Blue: 9%
6. Red: 8%
7. Brown/Beige: 4%
8. Green: 1%
9. Yellow/Gold: 1%
10. Others: <1%

With these statistics in mind, car manufacturers mostly adhere to the popular car colors while dipping lightly into a palette of bold hues like blue, orange, red and the occasional lime green or yellow. Regardless of current economic conditions, you’ll generally spot one or two sporty, bright yellow vehicles when a new line comes out.

Advances in car paint colors

New techniques involving creative pigmentation are breathing new life into established colors. For example, standard grays and beiges are being augmented to appear bolder and more dynamic. Special pigments are included that reflect light in different ways so the car may appear to shimmer or change color as it moves down the road. With white being so popular in North America, the advent of “white pearl” has made it a more interesting and warmer color. To achieve this pearlescent sheen, manufacturers add a third layer of paint to the traditional two.

Understanding the popularity of certain car colors

When you look closer at the trends DuPont has charted over the years, there are some general conclusions industry experts have drawn about the top car colors:

• Silver continues to be popular because of its clean, sharp look and the fact that it shows little dirt. It is used frequently when automakers reveal concept cars and new models because it appears futuristic and cutting-edge. However, silver can be hard to see in rain and snow storms, prompting silver fans to opt for gray instead.
• Black is a popular vehicle color because of its perceived elegance. Just like wearing black tie or dress to an event, a black car looks a little more polished and refined. However, dust and body imperfections like scratches and dents can be easily seen on the finish, making a black car harder to keep clean.
• White remains popular because it’s easy to keep clean and has a fresh appearance. Some industry watchers also point to the fact that more cars, including inexpensive ones, are available in white.

Car colors are almost limitless in their availability and can present their own set of unique trends. For example, dark blue is perceived to be luxurious and is often used on high-end sedans. Bright blue is often used on sub-compact cars aimed at young people because it is more informal and recreational. And, ice blue is popular on hybrids and electric cars because it’s perceived as crisp and fresh and is associated with water, which is clean and natural.The evolution of vehicle color names

Color names continue to evolve and become more evocative. As manufacturers invent more variations of car colors, they need names to differentiate their subtle differences. More names are being drawn from nature, popular cities, buildings and even the periodic table of elements. For example, you may choose Red Rock Crystal Pearl if you love the Southwest, Capri Blue if you long for the Mediterranean, or Palladium Silver or Carbon Black Metallic if you excelled in chemistry class.

Car paint colors and car insurance coverage

Contrary to popular belief, there is no correlation between car paint colors and speeding tickets, theft or insurance premiums. No matter what color or model you drive, be sure to get the appropriate car insurance coverage. For great rates and superior coverage, consider getting a quote from an auto insurance company such as Nationwide.

Kristin Armstrong is a Senior SEO Associate at Rosetta, the largest interactive agency in the U.S. Armstrong received an M.A. in Communication from The University of Dayton and has five years of experience in marketing.