Farewell to Radiant Red!

Axalta’s launch of its North American Automotive Color of the Year 2015 kicked-off at the SEMA tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada in November, 2014.  Axalta executives, TV host and champion crew chief, Ray Evernham and four-time NASCAR® Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon unveiled the No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet SS Radiant Red paint scheme, painted by Mobsteel’s Ron Coan, in front of a large crowd of car enthusiasts.  That weekend Gordon debuted the paint scheme on the track at a race at Phoenix International Raceway.  

The color’s inspiration came from an increase in popularity of red vehicles on the roads, according to Axalta’s Global Automotive Color Popularity Report.  Axalta’s chromatic Radiant Red was created using Cromax® Mosaic™ low VOC solvent-borne paint and Axalta’s high chroma Vermeera™ technology.  Several experts from various industries commented on how Red shades are prevalent in a variety of areas and industries.  Peyton Kelly, Senior Manager of Product Development, Jewelry at QVC spoke about how “new mines are now producing the true radiant red gemstones that many of us associate with fine rubies.”  Ron Coan from Mobsteel said, “Radiant Red is so inspiring that I would love to spray one of my favorite cars in this color – a 1950 Mercury Coupe.”  Award-winning author Kimberly Lovato discussed growing up as a redhead in southern California and now embraces the color red in her attire to show off her red hair every chance she gets.  Keith Nagara, Director, Transportation Design Program at Lawrence Technological University commented, “the color red evokes fond memories of the importance of color to vehicles.”

Radiant Red made a brilliant journey in 2015.  The Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky showcased several reds with high chroma appeal.  The Eyes on Design car show at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford home featured various shades of red from the 1900’s to today.  The Woodward Dream cruise in Michigan was flooded with classic and new cars that featured red hues.  From one car show to another, each red car was radiant in its own way.

Radiant Red will continue to inspire automotive color design and our love for color.  Stay tuned for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan when we announce Axalta’s North American Color of the Year 2016.