Devoted to the auto industry – builders to enthusiasts

The cliche green with envy doesn't apply in the automotive industry — at least when it comes to car colors.

In fact, white is the new rage and no color is less popular than green, despite its coolness factor as buzz word.

For the first time in eight years, according to a DuPont report published on MarketWatch.com, white overtook silver as the most popular color choice, with a 19 percent of the market. Silver was second, not far behind white, with black the third most popular color choice with 16 percent of the market. Red and gray followed in decreasing popularity, followed by beige, yellow and green.

According to the study,  only two percent of new vehicles built in North America in 2007 were painted green.

Green was even a less popular choice than yellow, which accounted for three percent of manufacturers' color choice.

"The growth of white pearl and black effect represents two neutrals with special effects, including metallic and hue shifting finishes," Karen Surcina, DuPont's color marketing and technology manager, said. "This provides a safe color space for customers with the ability to add a level of customization or flair."

Vibrant colors, like read and orange, are experiencing an global increase in popularity, according to Surcina.

By categories, silver is still the top color for compacts, sports cars and crossover sport utility vehicles. But white the most popular color for luxury vehicles as wall as SUVs and trucks.

In Europe, black is dominate car color leaders, accounting for 25 percent of the market.  White is the most popular color of cars in Mexico at about 32 percent. And in Brazil, China and particularly in South Korea (39 percent), silver is the most popular color for cars manufactured in the respective countries.