It’s hard to miss the lack of colour on our roads these days. What used to be a sea of colour has gradually become a mix of blacks, whites and greys. While OEMs are still offering a variety of tones and shades, our roads seem to be growing increasingly devoid of colour. So, if the outside world has been looking a little more grey to you, you’re not wrong.
How Car Colour Trends Have Shifted Over the Years
Car colours have reflected the mood and identity of their time, shifting alongside wider trends in design, culture and technology. What was once a space for expression and individuality has moved toward a more restrained, uniform look over time. Over the decades, changing tastes and industry priorities have quietly reshaped the palette of our roads, leading to the more muted tones we see on our roads.
1960s – 70s: Bright, saturated colours dominate
1980s: Rise of metallic finishes
1990s: Reds and greens still widely popular
2000s – present: Rapid shift to neutral tones (black, white, grey)
Why Aren’t Vehicles As Colourful As They Used To Be?
There was a time most of the cars seen on the roads were burnt orange, lime green and bright turquoise, somewhere along the way, our roads have turned quietly monochrome.
It’s a stark contrast to decades past, when brighter, more varied colours were far more common. So what’s behind this shift toward monochrome? From the change in consumer preferences to manufacturing efficiencies, several factors are driving the change.
Resale Value
Neutral colours dominate because they protect a vehicle’s resale value. Buyers tend to prefer safe, familiar shades like black, white, and grey, which makes cars easier to sell on in the future. So the market naturally reinforces demand for more conservative, widely accepted tones across both new and used vehicles.
Leasing & Fleet Options
Leasing and fleet purchases now make up a significant share of the market, and these buyers are going to prioritise simplicity and broad appeal. Companies choose neutral colours to make sure their vehicles suit all drivers and they can maintain a professional image. As a result, large volumes of cars entering the market are already limited to greyscale options from the outset.
Manufacturing Costs
However, the change in colours isn’t just focused on potential customers. Automakers can also streamline production by limiting the colour choices they have. Offering fewer, standardised shades reduces manufacturing complexity, speeds up assembly, and lowers costs. Bright or unusual finishes often require additional processes or materials, which makes them less practical at a large scale. Neutral colours are simply more efficient to produce in high volumes.
Design Trends
It’s no secret that modern design trends have shifted toward minimalist, premium aesthetics. Our current vehicles often feature sleek lines and subtle detailing that pair naturally with more understated colours. Greys, silvers, and blacks are seen as more sophisticated and tech-inspired, aligning with contemporary branding and consumer tastes shaped by broader trends in design and technology.
Fade To Black
Across the global car market, colour choices are narrowing, with black, white, and shades of grey continuing to dominate year after year. What was once a diverse spectrum of bold finishes has gradually faded into a more uniform palette. According to the Axalta Automotive Colour Popularity Report, monochrome colours (white, black, grey, silver) account for around 80% of vehicles globally.
Global vehicle colour distribution (latest global reports):
Black: ~20–22%
Grey: ~17–19%
Silver: ~8–9%
Breaking The Cycle: Ford MS-RT
At MS-RT we’re on a mission to break the monochrome cycle on our roads. We understand that colour is the key to your own expression. That’s why we’re proud to stand out and offer design choices on your MS-RT, that help you stand out in a world of grey roads. We’re here to help drivers rediscover the joy of individuality behind the wheel.
Looking for a standout vehicle? Find more information on our range of Ford MS-RT models today. We’re proud to offer the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT, Ford Ranger MS-RT, the Ford Tourneo Custom MS-RT & the Ford Ranger MS-RT PHEV. Alternatively, get in touch with our team today for any additional questions.