Buying a new car raises many questions these days, with the transition to electric vehicles becoming a priority for many.
Apart from consideration of safety and comfort features, color is also a key element in making that last word.
But it looks like the Brits are opting for toned down options rather than making a statement on the roads.
A study found that more than a quarter (25.7%) of new cars bought in the UK last year were grey. It was also the best-selling color in all regions and counties of the UK, except for the Scottish Borders where blue boosted it to second place.
According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, black cars followed closely at 20.1% and white cars at 16.7%, creating a full monochromatic podium.
A study found that more than a quarter (25.7%) of new cars bought in the UK last year were grey. It was also the best-selling color in all regions and counties of the UK, except for the Scottish Borders where blue boosted it to second place.
Although the numbers represent market trends, it raises questions about why colored cars are becoming less popular.
The Telegraph reports that consumers fear that a bright color “would lower the resale value of their car”.
The Finance and Leasing Association reported that 2.1 million cars purchased by individuals were leased rather than purchased outright in 2021, representing about 91.8% of new vehicles financed.
It’s a similar story for the used car finance industry as more than 1.36 million used cars were purchased on finance in 2021, a 10% increase from 2020.
With that in mind, color needs to become a bigger consideration when renting a car, as exceptional choice will drop the price on average six to eight percent less than black, white or gray, a underlined The Telegraph.
And that cost is paid by the person who leased the car in the first place, causing them to pay higher monthly fees and fewer benefits upon resale.
Gray has held the title of nation’s favorite car color for five years now, with 415,199 gray cars registered last year.
Red sits in fifth place with 8.5% market share, with 136,793 units registered.
Before gray became the most popular, silver was in first or second place between 2000 and 2011, but only represents 6.1% of the market share in 2022. Now in sixth place, the silver is at its lowest level of sales in 20 years.
At the bottom of the charts were brown, pink and cream, which accounted for just 0.02% of all registrations combined, while green saw the largest increase in volume with 13,293 units sold, or 1.9% market share.
Orange follows closely at 1.2%, followed by yellow at 0.7%. Bronze took last place at 0.5%.
According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, black cars followed closely at 20.1% and whites at 16.7%, creating a full monochromatic podium (file photo)
In terms of location, red cars were the most popular in Berkshire with 6,735 registrations, with green winning the hearts of those in Greater London, at 1,894 units (file photo)
In terms of location, red cars were most popular in Berkshire with 6,735 registrations, with green winning the hearts of those in Greater London, with 1,894 units.
Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland had more orange cars registered than any other county with their 1,313 units.
Cheshire seemed to like the blue-green hue of turquoise, registering 291 units and taking the top spot for the color.
Pink was favored in Derbyshire with its ten registrations – representing how little the color has been chosen by consumers recently.
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Mike Hawes said of the numbers: “The choice of car color theoretically proclaims something about who we are as drivers and buying a car today offers many opportunities to personalize your vehicle accordingly.
“Having chosen from the ever-growing choice of makes, models, powertrains, wheel covers and on-board technologies on the market, choosing the perfect paint job is an exciting decision to make.
“While the most popular tints have remained unchanged for 2022, for those looking to ensure their vehicle stands out from the crowd, there remains a wide variety of color choices across the rainbow available. to suit each character.”
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