When choosing a color for their car, consumers have a wide range of choices they can select from. There might be a favorite color, a hue that matches their feelings, or a trendy color that catches their eye. They can also look to choose a completely new color that matches their sense of creativity and adventure.

Along those lines, Axalta has taken the creative route with Solar Boost, their 2026 Global Automotive Color of the Year. Solar Boost is best described as a dynamic orange infused with champagne-colored flakes.

“Solar Boost is the result of our team’s deep experience in both the art and science of color,” says Robert Roop, Ph.D., SVP and CTO at Axalta. “Elements of human psychology and popular culture inform our choice of color; then we apply our expertise in color science, optics, and coating formulations to transform color into a manufacturable coating that is beautiful, durable and sustainable.”

“Solar Boost is a high-chroma orange with embedded champagne-colored glass flakes to deliver controlled sparkle and depth,” Roy Kerney, VP of business development and product strategy for Axalta, says. “The formulation was engineered to create a dynamic appearance that responds to vehicle geometry and lighting conditions, enhancing body lines and surface definition.” 

Kerney points out that Solar Boost is an ideal fit for the times we are living in today.

“Solar Boost reflects both technical and cultural shifts currently shaping automotive color development,” Kerney says. “From a science and design standpoint, today’s vehicle surfaces are more complex, with sharper lines and sculpted forms that benefit from colors capable of dynamic light interaction. Solar Boost was engineered with controlled metallic flake orientation to enhance depth and highlight geometry, without adding unnecessary formulation complexity.”

Kerney adds that consumer research shows a renewed openness to color as a form of self-expression, particularly in EV and premium segments.

“Solar Boost responds to that shift by delivering a finish that feels energetic and forward-looking while remaining refined and production-ready,” Kerney observes. “The color balances optimism and individuality with the performance, consistency, and scalability required for global automotive platforms, making it well suited to the current market environment.” 

Hadi Awada, president, Global Mobility Coatings at Axalta, points out that a vehicle’s color heavily shapes its initial perception, affecting how buyers feel about its safety, sportiness, elegance and even resale value, making color a significant influence in the buying decision

“In fact, Axalta’s own research has shown more than 80 percent of buyers consider it a key factor, which is why it’s so critical for OEMs to understand dynamic global consumer sentiments and align their vehicle color portfolio accordingly,” adds Awada.

Kerney points out that Solar Boost was selected through Axalta’s Global Automotive Color of the Year process, which integrates market data, OEM feedback, design trend analysis, and coating technology expertise.

“The color reflects a measurable shift toward greater use of expressive hues in specific vehicle segments, particularly EVs and performance vehicles, while remaining compatible with current automotive coating systems,” Kerney says. “Orange was identified as a high-impact color family that balances distinctiveness with long-term viability, offering automakers a way to differentiate products without compromising manufacturability or durability. 

“Axalta’s color scientists also evaluate how emerging vehicle architectures, lighting environments, and surface geometries influence color perception,” Kerney adds. “Equally important are technical considerations. Candidate colors must be compatible with existing coating systems, scalable across global manufacturing environments, and capable of meeting durability, performance, and sustainability requirements. The final selection represents a balance between forward-looking design insight and real-world feasibility, ensuring the color is both inspiring and practical for automotive production.”

Kerney points out that Axalta maintains ongoing collaboration with automakers through design consultations, color development programs, and technical partnerships.

“While the Color of the Year is developed through Axalta’s independent trend forecasting and color science expertise, OEM engagement plays an important role in validating feasibility, application performance, and regional relevance,” he observes.

“Automakers are increasingly interested in finishes like Solar Boost because they provide strong visual differentiation while remaining compatible with existing application processes,” he adds. “The color is particularly relevant in EV and premium segments, where exterior color plays a larger role in brand recognition and perceived innovation. 

“Following the announcement, the color often serves as a conversation catalyst with designers and engineering teams, helping explore how similar hues, finishes, or effects can be adapted to specific vehicle programs,” Kerney adds. “This collaborative approach ensures that color innovation aligns with manufacturing requirements while supporting automakers’ brand and design objectives.” 

Last year, Axalta named Evergreen Sprint, a deep forest green, as its Global Automotive Color of the Year. Kerney says that Solar Boost represents a logical progression from Evergreen Sprint.

“While Evergreen Sprint emphasized depth, durability, and timeless appeal, Solar Boost introduces greater chromatic energy and reflectivity,” adds Kerney. “Together, the two colors illustrate how automotive color trends are evolving from subdued, nature-inspired tones toward more expressive finishes that still meet strict performance, sustainability, and production standards. This evolution mirrors changes in consumer preferences and OEM design strategies.”