BASF’s Coatings division has introduced ROUTING as the theme of its 2024-2025 Automotive Color Trends collection. The title ROUTING draws inspiration from communication technology, reflecting the evolving nature of how information is transmitted and processed. The collection features a diverse palette of colors designed to inspire automotive designers around the globe.

“This year’s color trends highlight the interplay between human and non-human intelligence, with an emphasis on sustainability and cutting-edge design,” said Mark Gutjahr, global head of Automotive Color Design at BASF. “Our color selections reflect the dynamism of communication, with ever-changing nuances and effects.”

The 2024-2025 trends include:

• New reds, which feature intense purple shades that signal a shift from darker, blueish hues.
• Dark achromatic colors, energized by striking effects that move beyond solid black.
• Metallics, enhanced by innovative surface designs that bring new radiance.
• Pastel colors, which diversify with beige and light green tones, along with unique intermediate shades.

Sustainability and functionality remain core aspects of the collection. Colors are developed using renewable and recycled materials, while also being optimized for sensor-based driving systems, ensuring that design meets practical demands in modern vehicles.

For example, HOLDING SWAY, a key color in the Americas, merges dual hues with a blueish shift effect, symbolizing cooperation and innovative paths in automotive design. In EMEA, HARBINGER’S INK stands out with its deep black hue enhanced by carbon-negative components and biodegradable pigments, representing sustainability in action.

For more information about BASF’s 2024-2025 Automotive Color Trends, visit basf.com.