For the ninth year, the silver category, which includes charcoal and gray shades, ranks as the most popular vehicle color in the world, according to PPG Industries.

In North America, silver and charcoal shades coat 25 percent of all vehicles, followed in popularity by white, black, red, blue, natural colors and green. Following is a breakdown of each color category and the percentage of vehicles of that color:

Most Popular Vehicle Colors in the U.S.

Silver: 25 percent of vehicles White: 18 percent Black: 16 percent Red: 12 percent Blue: 11 percent Natural colors: 7 percent Green: 4 percent

Silver is even more popular in Europe, where 35 percent of all vehicles are a shade of silver, and the Asia/Pacific region, where 34 percent of vehicles are silver.

But vehicle color is far from one big gray area. PPG says that, going forward, automakers will depend on color more and more to distinguish their brands.

“Clearly, the automotive industry is moving toward more color choices,” said Jane Harrington, PPG manager, color styling, automotive coatings. “Palettes are broadening as the number of models decreases and the industry consolidates.”

As part of its color trend forecasting, the company introduced ideas for future automotive colors, including Champagne Silver – a tinted silver with a warm, copper-beige cast – and Outer Space Blue – a deep blue with a slight sparkle.

PPG says it has also developed mica coatings featuring synthetic mica coated with titanium dioxide, a white pigment, and infrared-reflective pigments that have high solar reflectivity to keep vehicles cooler.

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