The latest data released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that grey remains the top car color choice among British drivers, holding its position for a record six years.
In 2023, over half a million (509,194) grey cars were registered, representing a 22.6% increase in volume compared to the previous year. Grey cars now account for 26.8% of all new vehicles, as the new car market experienced its strongest year since the epidemic.
Black and white maintained their positions as the second and third most popular colors for the sixth consecutive year, registering their highest volumes since 2019. Monochrome cars represented 63.5% of all new car registrations in 2023.
Red fell to fifth place, with blue rising 10.9% to take the fourth spot. Additionally, other colors such as maroon, pink, and cream accounted for only 604 registrations, while orange, bronze, turquoise, and brown saw a decline in popularity compared to 2022.
On the other hand, green made a strong return, with 53,426 units registered, marking its biggest volume since 2005 and its best market share since 2004.
Despite the popularity of grey, “zero emission cars” in the UK also embraced this color scheme, indicating a strong consumer preference for monochrome vehicles. Grey was the top color choice across all British regions, with white coming in second in some areas, and black in others.
SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, commented on the trends, stating, “2023 was a bumper year for the British new car market, with buyers continuing to favor familiar monochrome hues. Car manufacturers have expanded their offerings to provide a wide range of color options, allowing drivers to choose a tint that represents their individuality and style.”
Top 10 car colors 2023
| Colour | Number of registrations | Market share % | Volume change vs 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey | 509,194 | 26.8% | 22.6% |
| Black | 385,171 | 20.2% | 18.5% |
| White | 314,382 | 16.5% | 16.9% |
| Blue | 287,213 | 15.1% | 10.9% |
| Red | 142,179 | 7.5% | 3.9% |
| Silver | 124,482 | 6.5% | 26.4% |
| Green | 53,426 | 2.8% | 71.1% |
| Orange | 16,677 | 1.7% | -14% |
| Yellow | 11,880 | 0.9% | 11.4% |
| Bronze | 6,350 | 0.6% | -18.6% |