BASF releases global colour trend report

BASF’s colour experts from Asia, North America and Europe provide a forecast of the automotive colours of the future in the group’s recently released colour trend report.

Green luxury is not an oxymoron

The ecology movement is continuing throughout the globe. However, there is a shift from ecological activism to more realistic approaches. Ecological goals have a greater significance, since people are taking a harder look at the consequences of their ecological behaviour. As a result, the image of ecology is changing. Prosperity – even luxury – and ecology are no longer perceived as mutually exclusive concepts. Quite the opposite: ecological thinking and action is recognised and widely accepted.

This type of connection can also be observed among the colours of this trend world in Europe. In this region, the trend toward browns is continuing. Earth tones reflect the new ecological awareness. The new impression of ‘green luxury’ appears in combination with a subtle or very reduced sparkle. This trend is also embodied by the colours indigo, mint or broken white. The world is marked by rapid technological progress. Future technologies change our everyday lives and become natural companions. Humans and technology are coming closer together. For this reason, colours in this trend world have a very artificial effect.

On the other hand, they are also derived from humans, as exemplified by a skin-coloured silver. Colour directions represent a fascinating uniqueness. Colours like LED blue, brilliant turquoise, sparkling black or bright red will be seen on Europe’s roads in the future. Matt finishes particularly reinforce the technical impression in this area.
Being an individual

Another driving force among the trends is individualism. Many people want to move a bit closer to the essence of their personality and are developing themselves in more individualistic ways – embedded in a collective context.

The desire to distinguish oneself from the masses and express one’s own individuality is gaining in importance here. This is also expressed in the colours that stand for something new or unique – colourspeople talk about together.

Colour trends in Europe are beige and greige (mixture of grey and beige), although apricot and rosé tones are also possible.