India’s car colour landscape has been evolving, reflecting shifts in consumer preferences and societal trends. While white has long dominated the market, accounting for the majority of car sales, darker hues such as black and blue are gaining traction among Indian car buyers. This shift indicates a growing appetite for individuality and bold aesthetics in the country’s automotive choices.
The Undisputed Leader: White
White continues to reign as India’s most preferred car colour, but its dominance has seen a slight decline over recent years. According to data from Jato Dynamics, white accounted for 43.9% of car sales in 2021, dipping to 42.2% in 2022, and further to 39% in 2023. However, it recovered marginally in 2024, reclaiming a 39.3% market share.
White’s popularity is largely attributed to its practicality and versatility. Its excellent heat-reflective properties make it an ideal choice for India’s tropical climate, while its simplicity aligns with traditional tastes. Additionally, white cars offer better resale value and are easier to maintain in terms of repair and repainting costs.
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) reported that 54% of its domestic sales over the last four years came from white cars, underscoring its consistent appeal. Tarun Garg, COO of HMIL, emphasized that white’s dominance is particularly strong in the taxi segment due to its visibility and low maintenance.
Rising Stars: Black and Blue
India’s growing preference for black and blue cars signifies a shift towards more expressive and bold choices. Black, which contributed 14.8% of car sales in 2021, rose to 20.2% in 2024, according to Jato Dynamics. Similarly, blue’s share increased from 8.8% in 2021 to 10.9% in 2024.
Black: The Luxury Statement
Black has emerged as a symbol of sophistication and modern style, particularly in the premium and SUV segments. Its ability to hide dust and minor scratches makes it a practical choice despite its high heat absorption. For instance, 31.18% of coupes and 28.36% of SUVs sold in India in 2024 were black, highlighting its appeal among high-end buyers.
Ajay Jain, Head of Global Design Strategy at Tata Motors, described black as “high-fashion,” synonymous with luxury and individuality. Consumers increasingly view black cars as status symbols, reflecting their boldness and premium appeal.
Blue: The Balanced Choice
Blue has also gained a foothold in India’s car market, particularly in the hatchback and sedan segments. Its appeal lies in its ability to balance heat management with aesthetics. While blue cars are more prone to showing scratches, they encourage timely repairs, which is crucial for Indian road conditions.
According to Ravi Bhatia, President of Jato Dynamics India, blue offers a balance between practicality and personality, making it a popular choice for consumers looking to stand out.
The Shift Towards Chromatic Colours
While achromatic colours (white, black, and grey) still dominate with an 80.3% market share, the rise of chromatic colours like blue, green, and red reflects a broader trend toward self-expression. Consumers today are prioritizing individuality over traditional choices, and manufacturers are responding with more diverse colour options.
Deep shades of green, for instance, have grown in popularity, rising from 1% in 2021 to 5% in 2024, according to HMIL. This trend is especially evident among younger, more exploratory buyers and in the SUV segment.
Global Trends and Their Influence
India’s car colour preferences are increasingly aligning with global trends. A BASF report revealed that black’s global popularity rose from 18% in 2022 to 21% in 2023, while white’s share declined to 36% during the same period. This alignment suggests that Indian consumers are becoming more attuned to international styles and preferences.
What’s Driving the Shift?
Several factors contribute to the changing dynamics of car colour preferences in India:
- Younger Demographics: Younger buyers are more inclined toward bold and vibrant shades, viewing their cars as extensions of their personality.
- SUV Penetration: The rising popularity of SUVs, which often feature darker and bolder colours, has influenced overall market trends.
- Improved Resale Value: The perception that darker colours like black now offer competitive resale value has encouraged more buyers to explore these options.
- Technological Advances: Advances in paint technology and maintenance solutions have made darker colours easier to maintain.
India’s car colour preferences are undergoing a subtle but significant transformation. While white continues to dominate due to its practicality and versatility, the growing popularity of black and blue signifies a shift toward individuality and modernity. This trend is a testament to evolving consumer tastes and the influence of global aesthetics on the Indian market.
As manufacturers continue to innovate and offer diverse colour options, it will be interesting to see how these preferences evolve further, especially with the growing emphasis on premium and lifestyle-oriented segments. Whether it’s the timeless appeal of white or the bold statement of black and blue, one thing is clear: Indian car buyers are embracing colour as a form of self-expression.