Grey has maintained its stranglehold on the British car market for an impressive eighth consecutive year, cementing its status as the nation's go-to choice for new vehicles. According to figures released by the SMMT, a staggering 558,050 grey cars rolled off dealerships in 2025, representing a 2.7 percent surge compared to 2024 and setting a new record for the neutral shade.
The statistics paint a rather uninspiring picture of UK automotive preferences, with grey and black vehicles combining to account for more than half of all new car registrations. Black secured second place with 464,369 registrations, meaning that roughly one in every two cars sold last year came in these sober, understated hues.
A Glimmer of Colour Emerges
However, there's some encouraging news for those who prefer their vehicles with a bit more personality. Blue has managed to overtake white for the third spot on the podium, marking the second year running that it has achieved this feat. The colour experienced impressive growth, with a 4.9 per cent increase in sales, while white registrations fell by 9 per cent.
The standout success story comes from green vehicles, which experienced remarkable momentum throughout 2025. With 99,793 registrations recorded, green cars achieved a remarkable 46.3 per cent year-on-year increase - a significant shift that suggests British drivers may finally be embracing more adventurous colour choices.
Notable Shifts in Consumer Preferences
In less positive news for enthusiasts of bolder colours, red dropped out of the top five rankings for the first time since 2017, being replaced by silver. This marks a significant departure from previous years and suggests that traditional vibrant options are gradually losing their appeal in the UK market.
