Ford has a legacy of “going green” with its paint colours, offering Highland Green, Squeeze Green, Ultimate Green, Gotta Have It Green. Now the company has introduced a new Outrageous Green Metallic tinted colour for the eco-friendly 2018 Focus Electric hatchback.
Ford says the colour Outrageous Green Metallic choice was inspired by Pantone, the company known for colours, who choose “Greenery” as its Colour of the Year for 2017.
“Outrageous Green Metallic is a unique shade, symbolizing modern renewal and a reconnection with nature, then finished with a special tinted clear coat to give the colour depth and vibrancy,” says Barb Whalen, Ford colour and materials design manager. She and her team tap into everyday experiences to predict colour trends two to three years into the future, drawing inspiration from everywhere for colours customers want to see.
These trends can be influenced by everything from changing lifestyles, psychological and societal emotions, to consumer hobbies and passionate interests. Unusual sports gear, ropes, anodized finishes, plastics gear and accent fabrics provide inspiration for Ford vehicle exteriors and interiors. The social and political environment and conversations about material ethics (biomaterials) also influence forecasting trends and help to predict the colour and material choices Ford makes for the future.
Ford research shows that colour choice is highly personal with 35% to 40% of customers will walk away from a vehicle or brand if they cannot get the colour they want.
