Evolution and function of car colour
In the 1920s and 1930s, as painting techniques evolved, the automotive industry began to experiment with a wider range of colours. Sober tones continued to dominate, but a hint of brighter colours began to appear. The 1950s marked a significant turning point: the post-war economic boom led to greater demand for cars, and manufacturers began to offer vehicles in bold colours such as red, blue and green. These colours represented the new prosperity and optimism of the time.
Colour preferences vary widely from country to country. For example, in the United States, white, black and grey have remained the most popular colours for decades, reflecting a preference for simplicity and modernity. In Europe, on the other hand, people tend to prefer more sophisticated colours such as dark blue and metallic grey. In Asia, especially in Japan, light and neutral colours such as white and silver are very popular, as they symbolise purity and status. These preferences are not static, but evolve with cultural changes and global trends.
Colour trends in the automotive industry change cyclically, often influenced by the fashion industry, technology and economic conditions. In the 1970s and 1980s, bright colours such as orange and yellow were very popular, reflecting the exuberance of those years. In the 1990s, more sober tones such as grey and dark blue became predominant, in line with a period of greater economic conservatism.
Today, white and grey dominate the market, but there is a growing interest in custom colours and matt finishes, which allow consumers to stand out in an increasingly standardised market.
Certain car brands are strongly associated with certain colours. For example, Ferrari is synonymous with red, a colour that represents speed, passion and performance. Porsche, on the other hand, is often associated with black and white, colours that reflect elegance and purity of design. Lamborghini is famous for its cars in bright colours such as yellow and orange, representing the boldness and sportiness of the brand. These colour choices are not random: they are an integral part of branding and help define the brand's identity on the global market.
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