White Returns as Number One Car Color

White/White Pearl Takes Top Spot, Metallics Gain Momentum and Brown Heads for a Comeback

Silver has been named the most popular car color in North America for the last seven years, according to Forbes Auto. But following recent global trends in home furnishing, fashion and consumer products, white/white pearl is the new number one. The color of the moment narrowly took the top stop with silver a close second and black coming in third.

With color trends shifting, other colors are vying for a comeback. Red continues to gain momentum in the past few years - and colors like brown are getting a fresh start. Since the '80s, brown has had negative connotations - like dirt and mud. But with the explosion of coffee, that image has begun to change. In fact, Buick's Cocoa Metallic shade makes up more than a third of sales for its Enclave, according to General Motors.

Overall, metallic colors are on the rise as well. Hue shifting, iridescent paints and unusual effects are gaining in popularity. Since many drivers think about a car as a fashion statement, the right combination color, hue and gloss can make all the difference. And, getting that "it" color just right requires rigorous testing. Automotive paint is not only tested for the effects of extreme weather, but the adhesion properties of the chemicals as well. To keep up with fast moving trends, tests for new paint properties are constantly being experimented with and developed.