Van Paint Colours: Style Versus Practicality

Barely three decades ago, the majority of vans on the road were white, but that's no longer the case - why was white the go-to colour, and what has changed? Think of it this way: back then, would a tradesperson have cared about the look of a new hammer? No, it was all about utility. Quality and price were the key considerations, and aesthetics didn't matter much.
White was the standard colour because it was the cheaper paint colour for manufacturers to buy paint in bulk. This meant fewer production changes on the assembly line, which kept things simple and efficient. White was also the least expensive paint to produce. Beyond cost, white vans offered practical benefits. They were easy-to-apply vinyl graphics too, and matching the colour after repairs was a breeze. White also reflects heat, keeping the van cooler in summer - a useful feature before air conditioning became standard. Additionally, white vans were easier to spot in low light conditions. So, the current trend toward colourful vans seems to be a modern shift in tastes. Let’s dig deeper into the reasons behind this change.

There are three key factors behind the explosion in van colour choices:
1. Drivers see their vans as more than just a tool. People don’t want to leave their stylish, comfortable cars and step into a plain, utilitarian van. And for many, their van is their primary vehicle, so they want it to look and feel special. They may also want to make a statement about their business and pick a colour that reflects their brand image. 2. Van manufacturers are borrowing colours from their car lines. Buyers are influenced by the car models they see on the road. For example, a potential Mercedes-Benz Vito owner might be drawn to the colours that are prominent in Mercedes’ car range, even if only subconsciously. 3. Manufacturers rarely advertise vans in white anymore. Whether demand is driving this shift or manufacturers are leading the change, colour has become a defining element for van brands. Certain colours are now associated with specific manufacturers or models. For instance, a bold red is often linked to Citroen, and Ford’s metallic gold was synonymous with the Ranger pickup trucks. These iconic colours help make vans stand out and stick in our minds.

When manufacturers launch a new van model, they usually choose an eye-catching colour that complements the vehicle’s design. This colour will dominate their marketing materials, including press photos and the demonstrator models that journalists and customers test drive.
Over time, certain colours go in and out of style. Grey is a great example - it was popular a couple of decades ago, then faded away, only to return in the past few years. Now, many manufacturers offer at least one shade of grey and metallic greys in their van lineups.

There is currently a strong appetite for a wide range of colours. While red and blue remain popular, silver has seen a decline in recent years. Black, once highly sought after, is also losing appeal - likely because it's tough to keep clean, and not many people have the time or energy to constantly wash their van.
Today, van buyers can choose from a variety of non-standard colours - deep orange, turquoise, yellow and even purple are available for those who want to make a statement. Interestingly, opting for a metallic or pearlescent colour on a leased van often doesn’t cost extra. Why? Because used van buyers prefer these vibrant colours, boosting the vehicle’s residual value at the end of the lease term. Higher residual values mean lower monthly lease payments, making it an unexpected perk for those looking for a new van.

There are a few drawbacks to choosing a van in a unique colour. For example, metallic paint can be challenging to match when repairing damage, though technological advances have made this less of an issue. We've all seen vehicles with mismatched panels, but this is becoming less common.
If you plan to buy a van rather than lease one, keep in mind that a colour you love may not appeal to future buyers. This could lower the resale value or make it harder to sell. However, if you lease a van, you don’t need to worry about this - the finance company assumes the risk, leaving you to enjoy the ride.

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