TROY, MI – The color silver has topped the automotive color charts once again this year, maintaining its spot as the most popular car color in North America. But in the future it will take on a fresh appearance as blues, browns, and greens start to surge and become infused with silver to create a new look, according to the 2006 color popularity survey results by PPG Industries. Silver surpassed all colors among North American vehicles produced in the 2006-model year with 24 percent, down 2 percent from last year. Silver also remained the leading color for 2006 in all North American vehicle segments, with the highest share (29 percent) in the luxury category. White was the second most popular color at 16 percent, holding steady from last year. Black and red tied for third at 13 percent each, followed by blue at 12 percent. Naturals, which include light metallic beige, copper, orange, and brown, also came in at 12 percent. Green captured 7 percent, and niche and specialty colors accounted for 3 percent. The color experts at PPG are forecasting the following North American color trends for the 2009- to 2010-model years:

• Blue: The color blue will increase in popularity, with updated rich classic blues featuring sparkle effects for a unique iridescence and some shades featuring green and red casts.
  

• Green: Nature-inspired textures and patterns will expand the range of greens, especially with continued consumer interest in the environment and “green” products.
  

• Naturals: The metallic looks seen in fashion, packaging, and product design are strong influences on the natural color family.
  

• Red: This classic color palette will be highly influenced by interior design, resulting in deep burgundies and bright, saturated reds.
  

• Neutrals: Comprised of silvers, blacks, and whites, the neutral family has strong ties to fashion. Blacks with metallic effects will be the new focus. Tonal whites and pearl colors will continue to become established. Silvers will continue to develop with the addition of metallic flake and effect pigments, while a move to darker graphite colors with slight tints of brown and green will add new interest.