IN what could be interpreted as a reflection of the current climate, the most popular colour choice for new cars bought in the UK is grey.

It is the seventh year running the colour has been most popular choice, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

In 2024, grey accounted for 27.8% of all new car registrations – its highest ever share – with 543,464 grey cars hitting British roads, a 6.7% increase from 2023.

And in an equally dour result, black was the second most popular colour, followed by blue, which rose to third place – its first appearance in the top three since 2010.

The top three colour choices made up 64.5% of all new cars registered in the UK in 2024.

White dropped to fourth place, falling by 7.2%, while red held steady in fifth place but saw a 4.1% decline, reaching its lowest market share since 2003.

The results are not through a lack of choice, the data showed, with 93 colours available across different models.

For the more adventurous, green and yellow both saw increases, rising by 27.7% and 0.5% respectively.

At the other end of the spectrum, pink, maroon, and turquoise vehicles together accounted for just 747 registrations.

Grey was also the most popular choice among electric car drivers, while black topped the poll for executive cars, and white the most popular choice in the multi-purpose vehicle sector.

Across the UK, the preference for grey cars was consistent in every region and county, with black being the second most popular colour in most areas, except for the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, where white claimed the second spot.

Top 10 car colours in the UK in 2024 and the number of vehicles registered:

• Grey: 543,464
• Black: 423,397
• Blue: 291,928
• White: 291,629
• Red: 136,371
• Silver: 122,473
• Green: 68,230
• Yellow: 11,944
• Orange: 10,754
• Bronze: 5,526

What does your colour choice say about you?

What does your choice of car colour say about you?

A quick bit of research on what colours represent to people on a psychological level reveals a number of pointers that may be true.

Research in the field of links between colour and psychology is not well developed, according to therapy firm, Better Help.

However, marketing research – as companies are keen to have a brand in the right colour – and some early studies do indicate some things.

Grey – the most popular colour choice for car buyers – is a ‘neutral’ one, according to Better Help, along with second-placed black and fourth-placed white.

“Neutral hues each carry their broad meaning, with white typically referencing openness and black giving off a sense of power,” the firm said, which could say something about how we want our cars to be perceived.

“Grey tones most often come across as smooth and modern, which is why this is a common home shade,” the firm went on. “On the other hand, brown is frequently associated with down-to-earth traits and a sense of certainty, which could be why some people say they like this colour best.”

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A guide on the Better Help website suggests some meanings associated with colours which could influence our vehicle choices. They are:

• Grey is often perceived as chic, modern, and stylish. Grey can indicate a balanced, intelligent personality who is a good problem solver. In some cases, grey is associated with technology, social media, and modern solutions.
• Black can indicate power, creativity, elegance, and sexuality.
• White often signals purity, birth, and innocence. Preferring white can also mean that you are organized, independent, and logical.
• Red often symbolizes intense desire, passion, and aggression. If your favourite is red, you may be someone who is driven, adventurous, and active.
• Blue symbolizes peace and tranquillity. If your preference is the colour blue, you could be perceived as a calm, trustworthy, loyal, reliable person and a great friend. Blue is also thought to promote unity and safety.
• Green can represent nature, signal good luck, fertility, and rebirth, as well as embody physical fulfilment. If you prefer green, others may view you as loyal, composed, and independent, with a strong connection to personal well-being and a balanced lifestyle.