Axalta Unveils 2026 Global Automotive Color of the Year: Solar Boost
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA), a prominent player in the global coatings industry, has officially announced its Global Automotive Color of the Year for 2026: Solar Boost. This vibrant orange hue is designed specifically for modern vehicles, characterized by its warm, inviting tone and infused with champagne-colored flakes, exuding an energy that captures the essence of sunrise to sunset.
The Impact of Color in Automotive Design
According to Hadi Awada, President of Global Mobility Coatings at Axalta, “A vehicle’s color heavily shapes its initial perception, affecting how buyers feel about its safety, sportiness, elegance, and even resale value." He noted that over 80% of buyers consider color a key factor, highlighting the need for OEMs to align their vehicle selection with evolving consumer sentiments.
Trends in Consumer Preferences
Solar Boost is reflective of a broader trend towards individualistic design, as consumers increasingly prefer vehicles that express their personal identity. This shift is particularly evident among younger, trend-conscious buyers who are moving away from traditional neutral colors.
Global Insights on the Color Orange
- North America: Orange evokes warmth, optimism, and creative energy.
- Latin America: Represents vibrancy and celebration, symbolizing life and joyful expression.
- Asia Pacific: Bold, saturated hues, including orange, are crucial for vehicles to stand out, especially in the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market.
With its bold shade, Solar Boost encapsulates positivity and momentum, making it an ideal choice for drivers looking to convey individuality and confidence.
Expert Insights From Axalta Leaders
Robert Roop, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Axalta, stated, “Solar Boost is the result of our team’s deep experience in both the art and science of color." He emphasized that their expertise in psychology, popular culture, and color science contributes to creating a manufacturable coating that is not only beautiful but also durable and sustainable.
Continuing a Tradition of Color Leadership
This marks the 12th year that Axalta has celebrated its Automotive Color of the Year, underscoring the company’s 160 years of leadership in color design. Axalta's color experts continuously analyze automotive trends and consumer preferences, helping vehicle manufacturers select colors that resonate with buyers.
Learn More About Axalta
For more information on Axalta’s 2026 Global Automotive Color of the Year and the company’s extensive color capabilities, visit axalta.com/color.
About Axalta
Axalta is a leading global coatings company that offers innovative, colorful, and sustainable coating solutions across various industries, including light vehicles, commercial vehicles, and electric motors. With over 150 years of expertise, Axalta serves more than 100,000 customers in over 140 countries, continually enhancing durability and productivity through top-quality coatings and application technology. For more information, visit axalta.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available here.