Ford: A Splash Of Color, Moving Past The Basics

[Fusion Team]

Ford: A Splash Of Color, Moving Past The Basics

 

 

 

A SPLASH OF COLOR, MOVING PAST THE BASICS

 

Look closely at tomorrow’s exterior paint colors, and future reds, whites and other hues may seem all-new. Ford designers are infusing color with some interesting twists.

 

Some of the emerging color trends at this year's North American International Auto Show featured grays infused with hues, warm reds and complex oranges, and the majestic tinted silvers that seem to captivate auto show-goers as they roamed about.

 

"The color sets off the design of the car," said LaChrisha Robinson admiring the greenish tint silver MKS concept vehicle on display.

 

Thanks in large part to technology, designers are able to leave behind the conservative, neutral looking colors of the '90s, opting instead for bold innovative themes that express individuality. And as people watch in amazement the transformations that designers are able to create on home decorating shows, consumers are looking at vehicle color in a whole new light.

 

"You can really take the color to the next level when you do things like add micas, pearls and aluminum flakes. It gives the color more depth," Lampinen added.

 

With effects, a color may appear brighter, more metallic, or carry movement. Just about every color family will undergo some type of makeover with these effects to make the exterior paint job more appealing to the consumer.

 

More often than not, color will be the deciding factor for a sale. In a recent article, the Detroit Free Press cited a survey that reported 34 percent of all car buyers opt for another model if they can't get their first choice of color.

 

"Color is big," said auto show visitor Colleen Rys. "I wouldn't drive a car if it didn't come in a color I liked, even if it had good performance.”

 

Trends play an important role in determining which colors will next hit showrooms. As runway models take to the catwalk in Paris for Fashion Week later this month, designers will be paying close attention to what's hot. Plus, they’ll look at global media trends and emerging themes in architecture, interior design, furniture, household products and even wall paints.

 

Today, color is carefully thought out and designed along with the vehicle, quite different from the past when colors were slapped on at the end of the product cycle. Designers are finding that consumers want a more refined look where color comes together for a nice contrast.

 

"Color has to make a very intentional, specific color statement," said Lampinen. "It's a very cohesive integrated holistic way to do business."

 

What will be hot in the near future? Dark colors that appear black; spicy reds and oranges; complex blues; grays with hues of either blue or red; and tinted naturals, which look like the tinted silvers.

[urnews]

A very interesting and enlightening post. But we still like our Oxford white Fusion. LOL. Boz