PHILADELPHIA, PA — Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA) has named Solar Boost as its 2026 Global Automotive Color of the Year, betting that a bold, shimmering orange will capture a growing appetite for expressive, personality-driven vehicle design.
Solar Boost is a warm, energetic hue infused with champagne-colored flakes, engineered to shift subtly from sunrise to sunset. Axalta said the color is designed for modern vehicles and intended to deliver a confident, standout presence as automakers move beyond traditional neutrals.
“A vehicle’s color heavily shapes its initial perception, affecting how buyers feel about its safety, sportiness, elegance and even resale value,” said Hadi Awada, president of Axalta’s Global Mobility Coatings business. He cited Axalta research showing more than 80 percent of buyers consider color a key factor in purchasing decisions, underscoring its importance for automakers refining their model portfolios.
The company said Solar Boost reflects a broader shift toward individualistic design, particularly among younger and trend-conscious buyers seeking vehicles that project personal identity. As interest grows in expressive colors, Axalta’s research indicates orange is gaining traction globally as a symbol of optimism, energy, and emotional connection.
In North America, Axalta said orange tones are associated with warmth, creativity, and bold lifestyle branding. In Latin America, the color conveys vibrancy and celebration, while across Asia Pacific, saturated hues such as orange are increasingly used to help vehicles stand out, especially in fast-growing segments like electric vehicles.
“Solar Boost is the result of our team’s deep experience in both the art and science of color,” said Robert Roop, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Axalta. He said the company blends psychology, cultural trends, and advanced color science to turn design concepts into durable, manufacturable, and sustainable coatings.
The 2026 selection marks the 12th year Axalta has named a Global Automotive Color of the Year, drawing on its 160-year history in coatings and color design. Axalta’s color experts regularly analyze global automotive trends to anticipate how consumer preferences are evolving and to guide automakers toward colors likely to resonate in future model years.
More information about Axalta’s 2026 Global Automotive Color of the Year and its color capabilities is available at axalta.com/color.
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