Car colour choices say a lot about driver preferences, style trends, and even resale value. In the UK, car buyers have traditionally stuck to safe, neutral colours, but 2024 has seen a shake-up.
According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) the colour blue has returned to the top three for the first time since 2010, while grey continues its dominance for the seventh year running.
In the blog below, we look at the UK’s most popular car colours and what drives these choices.
This data is based on figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
Colour | Number of registrations | Market share % | Volume change vs 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Grey | 543,464 | 27.8% | 6.7% |
2. Black | 423,397 | 21.7% | 9.9% |
3. Blue | 291,928 | 14.9% | 1.6% |
4. White | 291,629 | 14.9% | -7.2% |
5. Red | 136,371 | 7% | -4.1% |
6. Silver | 122,473 | 6.3% | -1.6% |
7. Green | 68,230 | 3.5% | 27.7% |
8. Yellow | 11,944 | 0.6% | 0.5% |
9. Orange | 10,754 | 0.6% | -35.5% |
10. Bronze | 5,526 | 0.3% | 13% |
Grey Still Dominates
Grey continues to be the UK's favourite car colour, accounting for 27.8% of all new car registrations in 2024. That means over half a million grey cars hit British roads last year.
Why is grey so popular? It’s a neutral, versatile shade that hides dirt well, doesn’t show minor scratches as much as darker colours, and tends to have good resale value. It's also a colour commonly associated with premium and executive models, making it a safe choice for company cars and fleet buyers.
If you're buying a car in 2025 and want a safe, timeless option, grey is still a solid pick.
Black Holds Strong
Black remains firmly in second place, accounting for 21.7% of new car sales. It's a classic colour, often associated with luxury and high-end models.
Many buyers choose black because it gives cars a sleek, premium look, making it a popular choice for executive saloons and high-performance vehicles.
However, black comes with some practical downsides, it shows dirt easily and tends to absorb heat more than lighter shades, which can be an issue during warmer summer months. But for those who want a timeless, professional-looking vehicle, black remains a strong option.
Blue’s Comeback
After years of neutral colours dominating the market, blue has surged to third place, overtaking white. In 2024, 14.9% of all new cars sold in the UK were blue. This marks the first time since 2010 that blue has been in the top three.
So, what’s behind this shift?
- Car manufacturers are offering more shades of blue, from deep navy to striking electric hues.
- Personalisation is on the rise, with more buyers looking to move away from the usual greys and blacks.
- Electric and hybrid cars often come in standout colours, with blue symbolising eco-friendliness.
White's Decline
Meanwhile, white has dropped to fourth place, with sales down 7.2% compared to the previous year. White cars, once a top choice thanks to their clean, modern look, seem to be losing ground.
One reason for this could be the shift towards darker, more understated colours. Additionally, white cars can be harder to keep clean, as they show dirt and road grime more noticeably than grey or black.
While still a popular choice for fleet vehicles and electric cars, white appears to be falling out of favour among private buyers.
Green Grows in Popularity
One of the biggest surprises in 2024 has been the rise of green cars. While still a niche choice, green car registrations increased by 27.7%, making it the highest number since 2004.
Green cars tend to be associated with eco-conscious buyers, and many new electric and hybrid models are available in green shades. In Greater London, more green cars were sold than anywhere else in the UK, likely reflecting the capital’s focus on cleaner transport.
While it’s unlikely green will overtake grey, black, or blue anytime soon, this growth suggests a shift towards bolder, nature-inspired colours.
While grey dominated every UK region, there were some interesting local trends:
- Greater London had the highest number of green cars sold, with 3,821 registrations.
- Scotland and the North East saw more blue car sales than in previous years.
- The South East registered the most grey cars, reinforcing its status as the UK’s top car colour.
Car colour choices might seem like a simple preference, but they often reflect larger trends in the car market.
- Grey remains the safe, reliable choice, especially for resale value.
- Blue’s return to the top three suggests a desire for more vibrant, standout colours.
- White is falling out of favour, possibly because of changing design trends.
- Green is becoming more popular, reflecting the rise of eco-friendly vehicles.
If you’re buying a car in 2024 and want something modern yet practical, grey, black, or blue are still the safest bets. But if you fancy something different, green could be a smart choice, especially as more manufacturers introduce striking new shades.
The UK car market continues to favour neutral, understated colours, but 2024’s trends show signs of a slow but steady shift towards bolder shades. With blue back in the mix and green gaining traction, we might see more variety on the roads in the coming years.
Why not check out our Car Colours And What They Mean blog for more information? We also produce a range of weekly blogs on various topics, which can be found in the blog section of our website.
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