PPG’s Original Finish colour-styling team has made its predictions for the colours motor manufacturers will be using in the year 2007 and beyond.

The company’s chief European stylist, Reiner Mueller-Koeber believes that in Europe we will see “a future colour range going from sophisticated to strong, and from icy to warm earth-tones”. Brown will influence most of the colour groups, including naturals and black. He adds that the new colours would use the most innovative and cutting-edge pigmentation and application techniques, including effect toners like xirallics, pearls, and micronised TiO2 already familiar to the refinish industry.

PPG believes that new blacks will become warmer, like coffee black. Grey will replace cold and icy-tinted silvers. Silvers will stay on the slightly fresh, tinted bluish-green side. Red is an area for growth, particularly the glossy medium-to-dark shades. Bright and rich bluish-reds, like Merlot, are key to suggesting elegance and glamour. Medium to dark greens are also of growing interest.

Blue appears to be heading in two directions. Key are dark polished ink blues with contrasts on the reddish-violet side, and oxygen blues for medium shades. On the other side are blues influenced by turquoise with technical highlights. Beige colours are moving from light to medium shades, and are warmer and softer. The ‘new orange’ is moving towards rust and iron oxide. Browns will be more red shade and will combine natural tones with richness and technical effects