Grey has become the most popular car color in Britain for the past five years, a significant shift from the vibrant reds and greens that once dominated the roads. This trend reflects broader cultural moods and design influences, alongside practical considerations for vehicle resale values.
Exclusive analysis by Vehicle Data Global (VDG) shows that in 2025, nearly 560,000 grey cars were registered, making up more than a quarter of all new car sales. This marks the eighth consecutive year grey has held the top spot.
Historical Color Trends
Car color preferences in Britain have evolved dramatically since 1900, when red was the most popular choice. Between 1901 and 1911, green and black swapped positions. Blue made a brief appearance in 1912 before black reigned supreme for nearly 30 years until 1940. These early preferences for black and green are seen as reflective of a more utilitarian era.
The 1960s ushered in a consumer culture, with blues and reds gaining popularity. Blue was favored for 13 out of 14 years during this period. Red then experienced a long period of dominance from 1973 to 1997.
Since 2000, monochromatic colors have largely taken over. Silver was popular, followed by white, and now grey. Black also had a brief resurgence between 2009 and 2011. This shift from primary colors to silver, white, and grey is linked to the rise of the technology sector and its influence on consumer product design, exemplified by brands like Apple.
The Influence of Technology and Residual Values
The increasing sophistication of the automotive market, particularly the rise of electric vehicles, is seen as a contributing factor to grey's popularity. VDG suggests that the prevalence of grey is not coincidental with the growth of technologically advanced cars.
A significant practical reason for grey's dominance, especially for fleet operators, is its impact on residual values. Silver, white, and grey hues possess optical qualities that effectively mask minor imperfections, such as scratches and swirl marks, which are more noticeable on solid-colored vehicles. This makes cars with these paint finishes easier and less costly to refurbish for resale.
Ben Hermer, operations director at Vehicle Data Global, noted that while design aesthetics influenced the appeal of neutral car colors, the focus on resale values by fleets is a crucial, often overlooked, factor. He stated that grey is ideal for the current market, merging business priorities with an aesthetic that complements high-tech vehicles. Its mid-tone shade effectively hides common wear and tear accumulated over thousands of miles, reducing detailing costs for dealers preparing cars for new owners.
Current Popularity
In 2025, grey was the leading color choice across most vehicle powertrains, with the exception of plug-in hybrids, which were more commonly black. For electric vehicles, grey remained the top choice, with 131,984 grey EVs registered. Many of the top-selling car models, including the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Vauxhall Corsa, Nissan Juke, and Volkswagen Golf, were predominantly purchased in grey.