Black drives the thrill for car buyers

Sees a surge in yearly sales, while white remains practical 'utility king'

- DEEPAK PATEL

The share of white-coloured passenger vehicles in annual car sales has gradually declined over the past five years, falling from about 43.9 per cent in 2021 to 40.7 per cent in 2025, according to Jato Dynamics data reviewed by Business Standard.

Despite this drop, white remains the most preferred colour among car buyers.

In contrast, black-coloured cars have seen a sharp rise in yearly sales, climbing from around 14.8 per cent in 2021 to nearly 20.76 per cent in 2025.

Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer (marketing and sales) at Maruti Suzuki India, told Business Standard that black has seen strong growth over the past five years, outpacing the industry average. This, he said, is driven by premium editions and its aspirational appeal among GenZ and young buyers.

Ajay Jain, head of India Design Studio at Tata Motors, said that white, once the undisputed favourite for its practicality and resale value, is losing ground as consumer priorities evolve.

"Car buying has shifted from a cautious, functional decision to an expressive act of individuality.

Modern buyers seek vibrant, distinctive colours that signal confidence and a premium character, reflecting a generational embrace of selfexpression," he said.