The UK’s favourite new car colour last year was grey for the third year in a row, according to new data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
While it was a difficult year for new car registrations overall around 400,000 grey vehicles were registered, which means that roughly a quarter of all new cars sold were finished in the shade.
Black and white took second and third place. The rest of the top 10 remained unchanged from 2019, apart from yellow and bronze which swapped places. Red saw a huge drop in its registrations, falling well below 200,000 for the first time since 1997.
While the top colour for both petrol and diesel cars was grey, white was the most in-demand colour for 100% electric vehicles (EVs) with just over 25,000 painted in a shade of white. Black was the most popular shade for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). It was a record year for these electrified vehicles, which accounted for more than one in 10 registrations - up from roughly one in 30 the previous year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
"2020 was a pretty dark year for the automotive industry and having grey as the top new car colour probably reflects the atmosphere. The sector, however, continues to provide valuable mobility, from vans delivering essential goods to private cars helping key workers do their jobs, and click and collect offers a lifeline for the industry, helping to keep manufacturing going. It cannot, however, replace the showroom experience and the sector has taken great steps to ensure dealers are Covid-secure with the flexibility to manage customer appointments so car buyers can choose a new car and colour in a safe environment."
While white was the most popular shade for the mini segment, luxury and executive vehicles were most likely to be black. Overall, there were 106 different individual colours registered throughout the year, with the least popular colour being maroon.
If you're looking for a new car through the Motability Scheme and thinking about what colour to choose, the good news is that the vast majority of colours are available at no additional cost (some special edition or premium paint options cost extra). Speak to your local Motability Specialist who will advise you of all the colours and paint options available.
