Europe’s Dismal Gray Procession Demonstrates That Drivers Dislike Enjoyment Nearly as Much as Traffic Congestion | Carscoops

      In certain European markets, leather is the leading choice for interior trim, whereas in others, cloth is favored.

      Interestingly, compact cars that evoke emotion tend to be more popular in vibrant colors.

      Among all new cars sold in five key European markets, the color gray represented 27.3%.

      Following gray, the most favored colors are white and black, with blue and red also being popular.

      If you're driving a vividly colored car in Europe, you're among a diminishing group. The prevailing trend on the continent's roads is towards more subdued colors, as the majority of new cars are available in shades of gray, white, or black. However, there are exceptions, such as the Fiat 500 and the new Renault 5, which often feature a bolder use of color compared to others.

      A recent report by Jato Dynamics has shown that nearly 70 percent of new cars across the top five markets in Europe are painted in gray, white, or black. Gray is the most prevalent color, making up 27.3 percent of sales, followed by white at 22 percent and black at 18 percent.

      Analyzing Color Preferences

      Blue is the next most popular color, accounting for 12.1 percent of new car sales, ranking above red at 7.4 percent, silver at 5.4 percent, and green at 2.8 percent. Jato highlights that even for models marketed in bright colors like the Renault Clio, most purchasers still choose more muted and neutral shades over vibrant hues.

      The Fiat 500 and the new Renault 5 stand out a bit more. Sales statistics reveal that while 14 percent of new Fiat 500 sales are for black cars, 12 percent are yellow and another 12 percent are gold. Additionally, red sales are above the industry average at 8 percent, with blue at 7 percent, green at 3 percent, and pink at 3 percent. Surprisingly, although gray accounts for 27.3 percent of all new car sales in Europe, only 2 percent of new Fiat 500s are painted gray.

      Interior Preferences

      The study also examined how buyers select their car interiors, revealing significant differences by country. German and British consumers tend to prefer high-end finishes, with 57 percent of Germans and 53 percent of Brits willing to spend between €500 and €1,000 ($580–$1,160) for leather interiors. Conversely, cloth remains dominant in southern Europe, with 85 percent of Spanish buyers and three-quarters of Italian and French shoppers opting for the more economical choice.

      Car colors may not define who you are, but they certainly convey a message. So, will you blend into the gray majority, or will you be bold enough to drive something that might disturb the neighbors?