BASF Coatings has released its report titled ‘Colour Report For Automotive OEM Coatings’ to provide a detailed exploration of the recent colour trends in the automotive industry.

BASF Coatings computed the colour distribution mentioned in the report using the information that was available about the manufacture of automobiles worldwide and the application of paint to passenger cars. According to the report, as buyers stray from conventional favourites like white and silver, the worldwide automobile colour landscape continues to change in 2024. According to the report, this change is opening the door for a more varied palette, warm neutrals and vivid colours to become more popular throughout the business. In particular, customers still prefer white, but warm hues like yellow and beige are becoming more and more desirable, and green is becoming more and more popular everywhere. Additionally, achromatic hues like grey and black are becoming more popular.

The report also highlights the region-wise trend in automotive coating based on consumer preference. As per the report, beige is gaining popularity in the EMEA region as achromatic colours continue steady growth in the region, increasing from 72 percent in 2021 to almost 80 percent in 2024. White remains the most preferred colour, while grey comes second.

In the Americas, grey is shining as one of the most versatile and captivating colours with almost 20 percent of the total market share. Compared to 2023, black colour has decreased by two percentage points, while white has had a five percentage point loss, which is even more notable.

The Asia Pacific market, on the other hand, is dominated by black colour. With achromatic colours remaining the top choice for 83 percent of consumers, black colour secured a gain of two percentage points in popularity, while white saw a decline of over two points. Chromatic colours with soft tones, particularly yellow, are also on the rise in this region, the report says.

Tata Motors, India’s largest auto and mobility solutions company, displayed its range of ultra-modern vehicles, cutting-edge concepts advanced aggregates and intelligent digital solutions at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, setting new benchmarks in innovation, connectivity and sustainability. These exhibits are on display up to 22 January 2025, in Hall No 1 at the Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi.

Tata Motors presented its ambition for revolutionising every aspect of personal mobility and business transportation with the largest exhibition of more than 50 displays, which included 32 aspirational, future-ready passenger and commercial vehicles. Tata Motors unveiled its next-generation green mobility solutions, which range from small cars and strong SUVs to agile micro trucks and tough heavy-duty carriers. These solutions are intended to improve safety, provide outstanding performance and completely transform the customer experience. In addition to providing visitors with 18 immersive experiences and interactive displays, the organisation showcased 20 intelligent, cutting-edge solutions to improve safety, productivity and customer experience. The company also unveiled 'Better Always' as a new motto for Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, signifying the company's dedication to ongoing development and enhancement.

N Chandrasekaran, Executive Chairman, Tata Sons and Chairman, Tata Motors said, “For eight decades, Tata Motors has been at the forefront of shaping the future of mobility, pioneering advancements in safety, design, connectivity and sustainability. Our relentless pursuit of excellence is fuelled by a deep commitment to creating value for customers, communities and our nation. The rapid shift toward green energy and mobility, an irreversible global megatrend, has made the need for clean, zero-emission vehicles more urgent than ever. We are leading this revolution in India with smart, holistic solutions delivering exceptional performance, reliability and convenience. Our customers have ready access to an expansive range of cleaner, greener mobility options for both personal and commercial use. At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, we are proud to unveil more than 50 next-generation vehicles, visionary concepts and intelligent solutions that redefine the future of mobility across segments and applications. Rooted in our legacy of trust, innovation and responsibility, we will continue to lead the way – creating value for customers, driving the automotive industry and advancing our nation's progress with purpose and determination." 

Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said, “Today marks a defining moment in Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles' journey as we introduce our new mantra, 'Better Always’, embodying our unwavering dedication to driving growth and success, for our customers and for our nation. At the Expo, we are unveiling a bold new era in mobility, showcasing 14 smart vehicles, all integrated with ADAS, alongside six cutting-edge intelligent solutions that provide real-time performance insights, and four advanced aggregates. Accelerating our aspiration towards a greener future, we are presenting four zero-emission electric vehicles, ranging from mini trucks and pickups to intermediate and heavy trucks, alongside buses designed for comfortable, long-distance travel. We are redefining last-mile mobility with the launch of the all-new Tata Ace Pro, available in multiple powertrain options, and the Intra EV, India’s most advanced electric pickup, setting new benchmarks for performance and sustainability. Our next-generation hydrogen-powered Prima Truck is set to revolutionise long-haul trucking. We’re showcasing the Prima deep mining tipper with state-of-the-art technologies. In addition, on display are an array of green mobility solutions powered by a variety of decarbonising technologies – Hydrogen, Electric, Natural gas and Flex-fuel. With relentless innovation and agility, we will continue to redefine the future of mobility with sustainable, intelligent and cutting-edge solutions – setting new industry standards and creating a lasting, positive impact on the environment.”

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, "We are honoured to spearhead India’s journey toward zero-emission mobility. With over 200,000 Tata EVs already covering more than 5 billion kilometres on Indian roads, we’ve cut down 700,000 tonnes of CO2 emission. Tata Motors has also crossed the remarkable milestone of 6 million car sales, a testament to the success of our customer centric, multi-powertrain strategy. But this is just the beginning. With relentless innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability, Tata Motors is determined to accelerate the transformation towards a future that is greener, safer and full of boundless opportunities for all. At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, we are proud to unveil our ‘Future of Mobility’ portfolio, showcasing the greenest, smartest and most advanced suite of mobility solutions. Our display embodies a holistic approach blending innovative design and smart engineering, with a profound understanding of customer needs. Today, we are thrilled to announce the return of a legend – the All-New Tata Sierra – reimagined for a new era, ready to inspire and lead once again. Alongside, in a nation first gesture, we ‘summoned remotely’ the Harrier.ev, the most powerful and technologically advanced SUV from the Tata Motors stable. Furthermore, we presented the next chapter of automotive excellence with the Avinya X concept— a bold leap into the future of luxury mobility that expands on Avinya’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and well-being. These reveals mark not just milestones, but the beginning of a boundless journey towards a future driven by lifestyle, safety, sustainability and cutting-edge technology.”

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) launched the project on development of ‘Motor Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (Bharat VECTO) for Real Drive Fuel Consumption/CO2 Emissions’, a landmark project in India’s homologation process, at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. ARAI is showcasing its technology and services at stall no H11-04, Bharat Mandapam; stall no H2-02, Yashobhoomi and stall no H1-A14, India Expo Centre & Mart from 17 to 22 January 2025.

Minister of Road, Transport and Highway Shri Nitin Gadkari; Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI; P K Banerjee, Chief Executive Director, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Dr Sukrut S. Thipse, Senior Deputy Director – ARAI and Bharat VECTO Project Leader graced the event.

In accordance with Europe, the United States, Japan, China and other countries, the developed Bharat VECTO will be used to compute the realistic fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs) (GVW > 3.5 tonnes) on a driving cycle basis. The BS-VII regulation will include it. Various mission profiles will be created under the Bharat VECTO project to address all HDV classifications, driving styles, road topography etc. Before being finalised for usage, the created tool will be tested on a few vehicle classifications. Along with project partners, ARAI will make every effort to create Bharat VECTO. It will be made available in Bharat Stage-VII and will serve cars powered by internal combustion engines, electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cell EVs and flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) in a phased way.

At Bharat Mandapam, a concept demo of the Over-Head Automated Charging Device (OH-ACD), one of ARAI's projects in collaboration with IIT-Madras, is on exhibit. Fast charging is possible with the 600-kW charging power, 1000V voltage and 600A current, which is made to satisfy the needs of the changing transportation environment. In addition to OH-ACD, the company is showcasing its in-house ADAS Validation Platform, a Light Commercial Vehicle with a 117 HP engine and an E-Axle for European customers and a Training Kit for the Battery Management System.

Stall number H2-02, Yashobhoomi, lists ARAI's specialised service portfolio for certification and support in developmental validation for components, systems and sub-systems. Along with engine models and lightweight components from the ARAI Fatigue Material Centre of Excellence, ARAI is also exhibiting the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) Bike and Battery Management System Kit, which was constructed by ARAI engineers.

Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, said, “It is a great pleasure to host Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari and have his presence for the launch of Bharat VECTO project. Ministry of Road Transport and Highway has played a significant role in enabling ARAI guide the auto industry towards one direction. Hence, ‘Motor Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool for Real Drive Fuel Consumption/CO2 Emissions’ will be instrumental in accelerating the momentum for industry-wide adoption of green mobility. ARAI, while being a major stakeholder in homologation and developmental testing and standardisation has also been fundamental in innovating technologies for sustainable mobility like Over-Head Automated Charging Device, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Powertrain, which are at display at Bharat Mobility Global Expo. We are thrilled to showcase these technologies and drive conversations for greener tomorrow.”

Automotive customisation brand DC2, together with Mercury EV-Tech, unveiled two futuristic products – e-TANQ, a futuristic off-roader, and Europa, an ultra-luxurious showroom on wheels – at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

The e-TANQ, an all-electric commercial vehicle developed in-house by DC2 in a partnership with Mercury EV-Tech Ltd, is intended to transform commercial and urban transportation. With a huge 180 kWh battery that produces 650 BHP, the off-roader blends sustainability and performance. DC2 also launched Europa, a custom-built, unique mobile showroom in partnership with Goldmedal Electricals. The cost of designing the opulent, cutting-edge mobile store was INR 180 million.

DC2 also displayed four other innovative items at the event. These include the Empyrean, a family-oriented luxury car that blends comfort and style; the Lex Lounge, which offers first-class luxury on daily commutes; the e-Rover, a sleek and contemporary take on the urban rickshaw; and the Vellfire Quad Luxe, a modified Toyota Vellfire that offers the luxury of a private jet on wheels.

Dilip Chhabria, Founder, DC2, said, “Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 has been an opportunity to reconnect with automotive enthusiasts and showcase our vision for the future of mobility. The Expo offered the perfect stage to present our innovations to a passionate audience, and we are thrilled to have been a part of it. Our collaboration with Mercury EV-Tech has been an incredible journey. Together, we’ve created a vehicle that combines the boldness of a rugged off-roader with cutting-edge electric technology, making a strong statement about our commitment to sustainability and innovation. This is just the beginning of a new chapter for DC2."

Jayesh Thakkar, Chairman, Mercury EV-Tech Ltd, said, "We believe in Dilip Chhabria's legacy of futuristic design and engineering excellence, which made his brand the perfect partner for the e-TANQ. DC2’s commitment to transforming futuristic ideas into reality is well-aligned with our vision. With the e-TANQ, both our brands aim to redefine the future of mobility by focusing on cutting-edge design and sustainability. This collaboration is a step toward creating vehicles that cater to the expectations of the modern consumer.”

Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global coatings company, has announced Evergreen Sprint as its Global Automotive Color of the Year for 2025.

Axalta has been introducing its automotive colour of the year for 11 years, and this is the second time that a green hue has been highlighted. Evergreen Sprint honours the renowned British racing green, a hue that has adorned the best racing vehicles and represents performance and speed. It is a deep, rich forest green. Axalta's newest hue is ideal for all car types because it combines the excitement of motorsport with a hint of refinement for sedans and SUVs.

Dan Benton, Global Color Marketing Director, Axalta, said, “This striking hue revs up our global automotive colour of the year. Evergreen Sprint stands out on the road and evokes the spirit of competition and adventure. The dynamic colour is sure to attract the hearts of passionate drivers.”