Red cars, once a popular choice in the UK, are now facing extinction by 2037, according to a report by AA Cars. In 1997, a quarter of vehicles on the road were red, but this figure has steadily declined over the years. From 1997 to 2014, the proportion of new red cars sold dropped from 26% to just 13%. Recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that red is now the second-least preferred colour for new cars, chosen for only 7.5% of vehicles. On the other hand, grey cars have significantly risen in popularity, nearly doubling from 14% to 27% between 2014 and 2023.
Grey has now taken the lead as the top choice for new cars, followed by black at 20%. White and silver cars, which were once popular choices, have also seen a decline in recent years. White dropped from 22% to 17%, while silver fell from 13% to 7%. Interestingly, used car buyers seem to prefer black cars, accounting for 27% of searches on the AA Cars site, followed by white at 23% and grey at 18%.
James Hosking, Director of AA Cars, expressed nostalgia for the era when red cars dominated the roads. He remarked on the significant shift towards monochrome and grey cars, noting that it could make our roads less colourful. Despite the decline in popularity, there is still a segment of the market searching for red cars, which gives hope that a wave of nostalgia may revive the trend.
As car colour preferences evolve, it is clear that red cars are no longer the go-to choice for most buyers. The rise of grey and monochrome shades reflects changing tastes and preferences among consumers. Whether red cars will make a comeback in the future remains to be seen, but for now, it seems that the vibrant hue is gradually fading from the roads.
**Summary:**
The article discusses the decline in popularity of red cars in the UK, with the colour expected to become rare by 2037. Grey cars have emerged as the new favourite choice for new vehicles, while black, white, and silver have also seen shifts in preference. The analysis highlights changing trends in car colours and the nostalgia associated with the once-popular red cars.