Report explores the consumer, cultural and design influences expected to impact vehicle colour over the next three to five years

Axalta (NYSE: AXTA), a leading global coatings company, released its 2026-2027 Global Automotive Color Trends Report, offering vehicle manufacturers and designers a forward-looking view of the consumer, cultural and design influences expected to shape automotive colour over the next three to five years.

Developed by Axalta's global colour experts, the report explores how changing consumer expectations around wellness, authenticity, technology, sustainability and personal expression are influencing the future of vehicle colour. As automotive brands seek new ways to differentiate themselves and connect with customers, colour is increasingly becoming a tool for communicating vehicle character, brand identity and emotional value.

"Colour is no longer just an aesthetic choice. It has become a tool for brands to differentiate themselves and promote emotional connection," said Radovan Dimovski, Global Product Manager of Color. "Our 2026-2027 trends reflect a changing marketplace where consumers are looking for colour experiences that balance optimism, innovation, comfort and individuality."

The report identifies four key automotive colour trends expected to influence future vehicle design:

Beyond Quiet: Strength in Softness explores the evolution of pastel-inspired hues into more sophisticated, premium colour expressions. These softer shades reflect growing consumer demand for calm, optimism and approachability while maintaining confidence and contemporary appeal.

Luxury 2.0 Beyond the Pomp & Into the Soul highlights the rise of deeper reds and browns that communicate authenticity, craftsmanship and emotional richness. These colours reflect a shift toward a more personal and human-centered interpretation of luxury and premium design.

Deep Dive: Just Beyond Depth examines the convergence of technology and nature through colours that evoke trust, stability, innovation and the growing appreciation for natural influences. These hues align closely with themes shaping the mobility industry, including electrification and digital transformation.

Beyond Ordinary: The Power of Essentials demonstrates how traditional whites, blacks, greys, and silvers continue to serve as the foundation of automotive colour while evolving through advanced effects, finishes and nuanced undertones that create greater differentiation and premium appeal.

Axalta's global colour forecasting process draws inspiration from a broad range of industries, including automotive, architecture, consumer products, fashion and technology. By combining trend analysis, consumer insights and colour science expertise, Axalta helps automotive manufacturers anticipate future preferences and develop colour strategies that resonate with evolving consumer expectations. The resulting insights are showcased through Axalta's global colour shows, immersive presentations across the globe, hosted by Axalta’s colour experts, that bring future colour direction to life through curated palettes, painted vehicle-form panels and innovative coating technologies. Designed for OEM design and colour teams, the shows demonstrate how emerging consumer and design trends can be translated into manufacturable colours that inspire the next generation of vehicles.

The 2026-2027 Global Automotive Color Trends Report is the latest example of Axalta's ongoing commitment to helping customers navigate the future of mobility through innovative colour solutions and industry-leading expertise.

For more information about Axalta's colour capabilities and to read the whole report, visit axalta.com/color.