Top Car Colours in the UK 2023: Discover Britain's Most Popular Vehicle Shades

For the sixth year in succession, grey has affirmed its status as the UK's most favoured car colour, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Boasting a market share of 26.8%, over half a million (509,194) grey cars were registered in 2023, seeing a 22.6% increase as the new car market recovered impressively post-pandemic.

Black and white, maintaining their popularity for the sixth consecutive year, secured the second and third spots, respectively, reaching their highest registration volumes since 2019. This trend underscores a continued preference for monochrome shades, which accounted for 63.5% of all new cars in the UK last year. Meanwhile, blue and red completed the top five, with blue experiencing a 10.9% rise in registrations, and red witnessing its lowest market share since 2005.

Interestingly, green made a significant comeback, achieving its highest volume since 2005, with 53,426 units and capturing a market share of 2.8%, the most substantial since 2004. This resurgence indicates an evolving palette among UK drivers, who, despite the dominance of neutral tones, are gradually embracing more vibrant hues.

The regional analysis revealed a unanimous preference for grey across the British Isles, with variations in second choices among different areas. These preferences highlight the diverse tastes of UK motorists and the broad spectrum of options available, from maroon and pink to cream, though these niche colours comprised just 604 registrations combined.

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes commented on the year's results, emphasising the significance of colour in consumer choice and the automotive industry's response to diversifying options to meet drivers' desire for individuality. This trend towards monochrome, coupled with the emerging popularity of greens and other colours, illustrates the dynamic nature of automotive preferences in the UK, reflecting broader cultural and environmental influences.

As the automotive landscape evolves, so too do the tastes of British drivers, with the industry eager to cater to this demand for both classic and contemporary styles.

Here's a simple table using the first two columns, "Colour" and "Number of registrations":

Colour	Number of registrations
Grey	509,194
Black	385,171
White	314,382
Blue	287,213
Red	142,179
Silver	124,482
Green	53,426
Orange	16,677
Yellow	11,880
Bronze	6,350