46. Car Colors

Modern vehicle aesthetics have shifted dramatically toward achromatic tones, with white, black, gray, and silver now accounting for 80% of North American car sales. This trend, which accelerated following the minimalist design influence of the early 2000s tech industry, reflects a combination of consumer demand for inoffensive, easily resalable colors and dealership inventory strategies that prioritize high-turnover shades. While manufacturers like Subaru and paint suppliers like BASF continue to develop vibrant, rugged, or personalized options, the long, technical design process—often spanning six years—favors mass-market appeal. Despite the dominance of neutral palettes, industry data suggests that more adventurous colors like yellow, orange, and green often retain higher resale value, signaling a potential shift as consumers move away from extreme minimalism toward greater personalization and character in their vehicle choices.