BASF Publishes 2020-21 Automotive Color Trends Collection

BASF's 2020-21 Automotive Color Trends collection showcases innovative concepts that interweave surface, texture and colour. Certain colours in the collection are expected to surprise and delight consumers. BASF's 2020-21 Automotive Color Trends collection represents the convergence of the physical and digital worlds in a continuously changing environment. BASF has released its 2020-2021 Automotive Color Trends collection, featuring a wide range of colour tones and effects showcasing modern automotive paints. Designers from BASF's Coatings Division from around the world created the collection, named CODE-X, ranging from whites through the darkest blacks and featuring various vibrant colours in between. The colours in BASF's Automotive Color Trends collection inspire automotive designers for vehicles that will reach the roads within the next 3-5 years. The effects and textures found in many of the colours in the collection provide an experience that appeals not only to the eye and feelings but also offers a genuine tactile experience. Global base colours range from greyish green to warm beige and dark grey. As the world transitions to a new normal period, with major shifts in values surrounding society, identity and progress, BASF's 2020-21 Automotive Color Trends collection represents the convergence of physical and digital worlds to cope with the changes taking place and to remain hopeful and positive.

EMEA – Bold, distinctive colours

BASF's 2020-21 Automotive Color Trends collection also varies by region. The main colours identified for the EMEA region consist of bold, new, calming and soothing colours with distinctive effects. These colours, which feature various effects, are expected to be accessible as well as surprising. Mark Gutjahr, EMEA Automotive Colour Design Manager, said regarding the Automotive Color Trends collection for the region: "Nothing is the same as before. For this reason, we created the collection by referencing old colours and adding new and different things."

Asia Pacific – Positive, flexible attitude

The main colours for the Asia Pacific region reflect change, action and a positive and flexible attitude toward the future. These colours, which possess warmth and emotion with a consistent spirit, are more complex and variable than black or white, like human emotions. Chiharu Matsuhara, Asia Pacific Design Manager, commented on the new collection: "Here, individuality comes into play. We live for today and want to make the future better. We try to enjoy life, remain as positive as possible and change what we did in the past."

North America – Elegance and simplicity

Future colour designs for the North America region demonstrate greater environmental sensitivity and aim to use advancing paint technologies. The colours envisioned in the collection will be elegant in simplicity while displaying deep technological sophistication. Paul Czornij, Americas Design Manager, commented: "It is a known fact that technological management dominates research, but it is reassuring to see consumers moving away from traditional beauty standards and embracing responsible and intelligent colour design."

Coatings Division colour expertise

Designers at BASF's Coatings Division conduct comprehensive research each year on future trends that form the foundation of their work in developing surface, texture and colour positions. Drawing inspiration from many sources including industry, fashion, consumer products and nature, they share their research with automotive designers who are BASF's customers and help develop the colours of the future.