Madness in Brilliant Blue

By Matthew Boland – Axalta Coating Systems Product Director

Everyone’s favorite college basketball tournament is finally upon us, and the color experts at Axalta could not help but notice all the teams and fans dressed in blue. Maybe they caught our eye because Axalta’s North American Automotive Color of the Year 2016 is Brilliant Blue. Nevertheless, here is a quick look at some of the notable blue teams that hope to take home the title:

·        University of Michigan – A hometown favorite here in Axalta’s Detroit-area facility, it is not uncommon to hear some of our scientists utter “Let’s Go Blue!” around this time of year.

·        Duke University – The “Blue Devils” are always tough to beat with the legendary Coach K at the helm and are a tournament favorite.

·        University of North Carolina – The Tar Heels are a number one seed, and they stand out in their “Carolina Blue” uniforms.

·        University of Kentucky – The team from the blue-grass state is often referred to as “Big Blue” and their fans the Big Blue Nation.

·        Middle Tennessee State University – The Blue Raiders won the Conference-USA tournament and face a tough Michigan State team early.

Blue is obviously a winning color, and there will be a sea of Brilliant Blue players and fans throughout this tournament. Good luck to all the student athletes, and especially one of Axalta’s favorites- The University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors!

Autorama in Detroit, Michigan – a Cavalcade of Color

By Dan Benton, Axalta Color Marketing Manager

Hot, vibrant, and exciting colors brightened up wintry Detroit skies at the 2016 Autorama custom car show in Cobo Hall on February 26-28.

For 64 years, the Autorama has brought classic and custom car builders together from around the world to show off their latest projects and for a chance to win the prestigious Ridler Award; an accolade given to the vehicle that best demonstrates creativity, quality and engineering.  This year was no different with one entry coming all the way from the land down under, Australia. Chris and Colleen Bitmead brought their beautiful blue 1976 Ford Falcon to display, and made the “Great 8” – the eight finalists for the Ridler Award.

The Falcon did not bring home the top prize, but it dazzled in a shade of blue similar to Axalta’s North American Automotive Color of the Year 2016- Brilliant Blue and impressed not only the judges, but also many who stopped to admire the car.

With more than 800 vehicles vying for the Ridler Award – the competition is fierce and the investment is significant.  The value of these vehicles range from $200,000 to over $2 million.  Many take several years to build.  Color choice and the paint job on such a meticulously cared for project must be flawless.  Deep saturation and intense chroma are highly sought after characteristics by custom car builders to make their projects stand out.  Builders can use Axalta’s high chroma tints and color selectors to pick out the perfect color for their projects.  Our coating systems, with multi-layers of transparent tints, intensify and enrich color.  Brilliant Blue is designed for those who love bold color.  

All the colors and chromas at an event like Autorama could overwhelm the senses.  The sheer volume of color is a feast for the eyes, and a welcomed distraction from the cold and snow outside.

Colors like Axalta’s North American Automotive Color of the Year 2016- Brilliant Blue, remind us all that the warmth and renewal of spring is right around the corner.