Axalta, the company behind the Cromax, Spies Hecker, Standox and Syrox refinish brands has announced its 2020 Global Automotive Colour of the Year as Sea Glass, a modern shimmering turquoise blue. 

The global coatings manufacturer says the colour is inspired by nature’s waterways and oceans and has a depth and intensity that appeals to motorists around the world.

Axalta’s 2019 Global Automotive Colour Popularity Report reported that blue vehicles are seven percent of the global automotive market, fifth overall following white, black, grey and silver. Regions with the highest level of blue vehicles are North America and Europe at ten percent. “The trend toward turquoise blues is growing,” said Nancy Lockhart, Axalta Global Product Manager - Colour. “Sea Glass was designed for all vehicle types, from compact and sport vehicles to medium saloons and large SUVs and trucks.”

Sea Glass is formulated with reflective properties and is highly detectable by Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems. “Bright and pearlescent, Sea Glass is designed to be transmissible for Radio Detection And Ranging (RADAR), meeting the colour trends of today for the autonomous vehicles of tomorrow,” commented Lockhart.

Dan Benton, Axalta Marketing Manager North America, Colour, said, “Sea Glass is ready for the market now. Formulations for this versatile colour are available in our global waterborne technologies, and we are ready for customers who are actively looking for the next trend in colour.”