Axalta’s Solar Boost captures a shared sense of positivity and momentum, providing a statement colour for drivers who want their vehicles to express individuality and confidence.
Axalta Coating Systems, a global coatings company, has announced its 2026 Global Automotive Colour of the Year: Solar Boost, a vibrant and warm orange hue designed to capture energy and optimism. Infused with champagne-coloured flakes, the colour creates a striking shimmer, offering a bold, modern expression for today’s vehicles.
“A vehicle’s color heavily shapes its initial perception, affecting how buyers feel about its safety, sportiness, elegance and even resale value, making color a significant influence in the buying decision. In fact, Axalta’s own research has shown more than 80 percent of buyers consider it a key factor, which is why it’s so critical for OEMs to understand dynamic global consumer sentiments and align their vehicle color portfolio accordingly,” has stated Hadi Awada, President, Global Mobility Coatings at Axalta.
Solar Boost reflects a growing trend towards individualistic design choices, as consumers increasingly seek vehicles that express personal identity. Its bold tone aligns with rising demand for expressive colours beyond traditional neutrals, particularly among younger and trend-conscious buyers.
Grounded in Axalta’s global colour research, orange is emerging as a shade that resonates emotionally worldwide:
- In North America, it conveys warmth, optimism and creative energy, often associated with friendliness and bold lifestyle branding or streetwear.
- In Latin America, it represents vibrancy and celebration, symbolising life and joyful expression.
- Across Asia Pacific, bold and saturated shades, including orange, are gaining traction as a way for vehicles to project identity and stand out, particularly in fast-growing segments such as electric vehicles.
“Solar Boost is the result of our team’s deep experience in both the art and science of color. Elements of human psychology and popular culture inform our choice of color; then we apply our expertise in color science, optics, and coating formulations to transform color into a manufacturable coating that is beautiful, durable and sustainable,” has added Robert Roop, Senior Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer at Axalta.
This marks the 12th year that Axalta has celebrated an Automotive Colour of the Year, reflecting 160 years of experience in colour design leadership, innovation and forecasting trends in future mobility coatings. Axalta’s colour experts regularly analyse automotive trends and anticipate evolving consumer preferences, helping manufacturers select colours that will resonate with buyers.