New Delhi: Global coatings leader Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA) on Tuesday announced Solar Boost as its 2026 Global Automotive Colour of the Year, spotlighting a vibrant orange tone designed to convey energy, optimism and individuality across modern vehicles.
The colour — radiant and warm with champagne-coloured flakes — is engineered to deliver standout visual appeal under changing light conditions, from sunrise to sunset, and is suitable for a range of vehicle types, including SUVs, crossovers and performance models. According to Axalta, Solar Boost aligns with shifting consumer preferences toward expressive hues beyond traditional neutrals, particularly among younger and style-conscious buyers.
“A vehicle’s colour heavily shapes its initial perception, affecting how buyers feel about safety, sportiness, elegance and even resale value,” said Hadi Awada, President of Global Mobility Coatings at Axalta, underscoring the strategic importance of colour choice in automotive design and purchase decisions.
Axalta’s annual Colour of the Year programme, now in its 12th edition, leverages insights from global trend research and consumer psychology to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) anticipate the colours that will resonate with future vehicle buyers. The company’s colour team regularly synthesises trends from social sentiment, cultural movements and design innovation to guide palette development for global mobility coatings.
Solar Boost highlights the dynamic role of coatings not only in aesthetics but also in brand positioning as automakers seek differentiation in crowded segments, including electric vehicles and lifestyle SUVs. The choice of such a bold shade signals greater acceptance of vibrant and experiential colour choices in mainstream automotive markets.
Industry watchers say that while classic whites, blacks and greys still dominate vehicle production globally, growing interest in striking colours — particularly among new-generation consumers — is prompting OEMs and suppliers alike to expand palette offerings that reflect personal identity and optimism in design.
Axalta’s colour forecast influences not just exterior finishes but also interior trim and accent palettes, reaffirming the broader role of coatings expertise in shaping automotive design language in a period of rapid aesthetic and technological change.