Ford Reveals Bubbly Vehicle Colors, Even Though Consumers Prefer White

NEW YORK — Ford turns to ginger ale and Kodiak bears for inspiration as it reveals its new color palette on Thursday, but a leading automotive paint manufacturer says conservative white is now the most popular vehicle color.

The redesigned Ford Escape will get a Ginger Ale paint job when it debuts at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Ford described the color as "a classic gold neutral with slight green undertones," in a statement.

Frosted Glass will be the signature color of the Ford Focus Electric, said the automaker. The color is described as "an icy light green that elicits a sense of calm."

Ford said it will also use Kodiak Brown, inspired by Alaska's Kodiak bear, in upcoming vehicles.

The Ford color palette was revealed a day after PPG Industries released a study that shows white is the most popular vehicle color in the world now, outranking silver.

"Approximately 21 percent of 2011 model-year cars around the world have been white," said PPG Industries in a statement on Wednesday.

Like Ford, PPG is turning to fizzy beverages for its 2014-'15 vehicle color choices. Grape Spritz, a "blue fused with a purple highlight," will be among the offerings on future vehicles. PPG also said it will roll out Goldeluxe, a "silver infused with an influence of gold," and Muddy Waters, a "tone of brown with a pearl luster effect," as well as Pot O'Gold, a "light green with a hint of gold."

Inside Line says: White is the safe choice for your new vehicle, but automakers and suppliers are trying to get you to move out of your comfort zone. For more details, please look for the information of Ford Car Colors on the site : www.fordcarshow.com