Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
UK Roads May See Decline in Certain Car Colours, Data Suggests
Several once-common car colours are potentially facing a reduction in visibility on UK roads, new analysis indicates. Data from the DVLA vehicle registry, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, reveals that shades such as orange, pink, cream, turquoise, and brown could be becoming increasingly rare. Cream is highlighted as particularly vulnerable, potentially disappearing from new car registrations as early as the end of the current year. This trend signifies a shift in automotive colour popularity and availability on UK roads.
Diminishing Colour Diversity on UK Roads
The assessment, conducted by Heritage Car Insurance, initially predicted the complete disappearance of these car colours by 2033. DVLA figures show cream experiencing the most significant decrease, with only nine new registrations recorded in 2024. In contrast, grey, black, and white now dominate new car registrations, accounting for approximately 68% of the market share. Grey leads in popularity with 559,043 registrations in 2024, according to Plymouth Live reports.
Industry Trends Towards Neutral Tones
Mark Wilkinson, Managing Director of Heritage Car Insurance, commented on the evolving automotive landscape, stating: “British roads are progressively losing their colour spectrum, a change increasingly noticed by drivers.”
He added, “As vehicle manufacturers increasingly favour neutral tones like grey, black, and white, the diversity that once characterised our roads is rapidly diminishing.”
Wilkinson further explained, “Carmakers, in prioritising broad market appeal and resale value over individuality, are producing increasingly standardised designs. This results in the disappearance of previously distinctive brand colours and an increasing uniformity in vehicle aesthetics.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Classic Cars Offer Colourful Alternative
“For individuals seeking to reinstate a sense of personal expression,” Wilkinson suggested, “classic cars present a compelling alternative. Their distinctive designs, superior craftsmanship, and historical significance provide a level of character often perceived as lacking in contemporary vehicles.”
Rising Popularity of Classic Vehicles
The DVLA data also indicates a reduced demand for turquoise and orange vehicles, aligning with the trend towards less vibrant car colours in modern manufacturing. As contemporary car designs converge towards uniformity, interest in classic cars is demonstrably growing.
Increased Classic Car Registrations
Official DVLA records confirm a rise in the number of registered historic classic cars on UK roads, reaching 415,257 in 2024. This represents a 5.8% increase from 391,002 registered classic vehicles in 2023, underscoring the growing appeal of older, more colourful automobiles.