Grey fleet on the rise

Grey remained the colour of choice for car buyers for the sixth year in a row, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Boasting a market share of more than a quarter (26.8%), more than half a million (509,194) grey cars were registered in 2023.

Black and white held second and third place, also for the sixth consecutive year, meaning almost two thirds (63.5%) of all new cars joining UK roads in 2023 were monochrome.

Blue rose 10.9% to take fourth place and red remained in fifth – although it recorded its lowest market share since 2005 and has seen its popularity steadily decline since 2019. Green, however, experienced a comeback, reaching its highest volume since 2005 at 53,426 units and a market share of 2.8%, the highest since 2004.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “2023 was a bumper year for the British new car market, as buyers continued to gravitate towards familiar monochrome hues for another year – even as ever more motorists embrace new technologies. Car manufacturers have diligently expanded their offerings, with a huge selection of colour options available across hundreds of models and thousands of specification options. The extensive variety allows drivers flexibility in choosing a tint that embodies their individuality and style.”

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