Buyers cautious over paint choices

The vast majority of drivers are in the wrong coloured car for their personality. That’s the surprise finding of a pan-European study by Nissan, which reveals 86 per cent of those polled made an incorrect choice in the showroom. The research found that even though there are now more vibrant exterior colours and personalisation options than ever before, car buyers are still too conservative when it comes to picking paint. The study was carried out by Nissan to celebrate the personalisation options on its new Micra hatchback. It found about a third of those surveyed should have opted for more striking shades like orange instead of traditional grey and black, based on their personality type. To help consumers, Nissan has turned to technology and developed an innovative Chatbot in conjunction with colour psychologist Karen Haller. Delivered via Facebook, it determines the user’s personality and presents the perfect Micra colour match for them. The findings include:

• About two-thirds of drivers went for more traditional or conservative colours
• 38 per cent are driving a grey or black vehicle
• 53 per cent claim colour has impacted their vehicle choice
• Of those, more than half claim to have selected their favourite colour

Based on the 5,000 responses throughout Europe, high-energy colours such as orange should top the table. These signify energetic, fun and optimistic traits within someone’s personality. Karen says “Often colour choices are based around aspirations and black is often seen as an aspirational colour, associated with high-end technologies and innovative brands. It may be that far from playing it safe, they are choosing what they perceive as the finer things in life.”