Silver and black are most popular colours for cars
(23/10/2007)

Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicate that research conducted at the end of last year, which predicted that black would replace silver as the most popular car colour, is beginning to come true.

The research, which was undertaken among 4,000 UK motorists by insurance provider yesinsurance.co.uk , reveals that 30% of those surveyed said that they would choose black as their preferred colour if they were to purchase a car tomorrow. Silver came in second place (27%) and blue in third (17%). Red was chosen by 13% of respondents, grey by 3% and white by 2%. The remaining 8% would choose other unspecified colours.

The latest SMMT figures for sales of new cars in 2006 show that black has now moved from third to second place in the order of ranking, with 22% of motorists choosing this colour for their car last year – up from 20% in 2005. Silver decreased in popularity, being chosen by 29% of drivers, compared with 31% in 2005.

“The research measured the preferences of motorists who may not be in a position to buy a car today, but who may be in the market for one within the next few years,” said Paul Purdy of yesinsurance.co.uk.

The move may lead to changes in the values of used cars.

“The way things are moving, we would predict that black may overtake silver as the most popular colour for new cars within the next three years,” he said. “With demand increasing and supply constrained by the number of black vehicles currently on the road, this may lead to increasing prices for black used cars.”

However, the change in preferences also has implications for road safety.

“Research studies have indicated that black can be a more dangerous colour for vehicles, because they are less easy to see at night,” said Paul Purdy.

“In this respect, silver could be a safer option.”

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