Stellantis design boss Ralph Gilles has declared the “Death of Chrome” as an official design policy for new models. This decision aligns with environmental concerns and changing market tastes, as the process of creating chrome is becoming increasingly restricted in places like California. GM is also offering alternatives, although The General still relies on chrome for several of its high-end trim levels.
Per a report from CNN, part of the reason chrome is facing a decline is the hazardous production process. The hexavalent chromium used in chrome plating is a toxic carcinogen, posing significant risks to workers and the environment. In response, California regulators are moving towards banning hexavalent chromium, encouraging automakers to find safer alternatives.
Consumer preferences are shifting as well, with Gilles pointing out how some customers will specifically delete bright and polished bits, adopting blacked-out components instead.
“Sometimes people go and personally convert their cars to blackout packages,” Gilles told CNN. “They call it ‘murdered out’ on the street.”
As a result, Stellantis, the parent company for brands such as Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and many others, is moving away from chrome and towards options like blacked-out trims, polished and satin stainless steel, and various other textures. This move marks a significant change from the mid-20th century when bright jewelry was a dominant design feature on American cars.
General Motors (GM) is also following this trend by reducing chrome use in trims like Activ and RS for Chevy, ST for Buick, Sport / V-Series for Cadillac, and AT4 for GMC. However, GM continues to offer shinier finishes through several other trim levels, such as High Country for Chevy, Denali for GMC, Platinum for Cadillac, and Avenir for Buick.
Other automakers, including Volkswagen, are exploring alternatives and experimenting with new finishes and illuminated logos. The shift away from chrome is driven by the need for safer, more sustainable design solutions while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
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Comments
Maybe big pickups have it and some wheels do, but I can’t remember a vehicle I’ve owned in a long time having real chrome and not silver-colored plastic. Stellantis is wacko.
Stellantis US sales have declined 31% in the last five years (2.2M to 1.527M).
Looks like the “some customers” that only want blacked out everything have found their go to brand. Everyone else that wants a choice will continue to move elsewhere. And smarter brands will continue to offer it.
The reality is, whole Tavares Stellantis “thing” has been a disaster for them. They’re an example of what not to do.
Most of the chrome today is crap. It is poor quality as it is no longer able to use the good chemicals to make it. Also it is plastic.
The truth is they could do good chrome but the regulations have made it impossible or expensive.
You wouldn’t want to work in a factory where the “good chemicals” for doing the “good chrome” are used. The regulations are in place to protect human life.
If it pays enough with great Union benefits you would have a looong line of applicants to work those jobs.
One of our customers does it and I’m there from time to time. Few times a year for 1-2 hours and that’s enough. They pay well and I assure you they don’t have a line out there door.
The stuff is nasty and I can’t imagine working there full time.
Some people value others life, no matter “how desperate they are for work” over some gawdy chrome crap. Others clearly don’t.
The other obvious answer is to just not have chrome.
Seems like a no-brainer for the manufacturers given they can charge a premium for blacked out.
So are gun manufacturers, to protect life?
Cost driven move rationalized as the future trend in automotive styling.
Guess military vehicles are going to be the next big thing…
California passed, or is looking to pass, a law to ban Chrome.
To all down voters:
California bans chrome plating due to health risks.
This means that not a single new car sold in the European Union or the United States can feature chrome plating starting in 2024, 2039, respectively. Car companies must instead come up with an alternative material of similar quality and function.
Don’t believe this. Go research for yourself.
California requires a warning on wood shavings that you put in horse stalls, warning that the dust from the shavings may cause cancer, WTF. Thank God I don’t live in California. Brandon you remind me of the kid that posted last year that chrome is a safety hazard due to sunlight reflection.
It is a hazard and it is stupid. I guess I see why you love it.
Well, it took automakers long enough.
Chrome is so 1960s. My 1980s pickup truck didn’t even have chrome.
To each their own, I happen to like chrome.
Well, I like cars built in the 60s. That doesn’t mean that chrome isn’t so 60s. 😉
I do like chrome touches, especially on trucks. My wife’s 2019 Yukon SLT Premium has 22″ chrome rims. They are already peeling off! The chrome applique is way too cheap for such an expensive car. I’m disappointed. And my wheel and tire warranty doesn’t cover the peeling. Awful. Anyhow, I still like the way they look. I saw a bright red C6 convertible with gleaming chrome rims yesterday. Really sharp. I guess you gotta go Vette to get good chrome rims.
Unless GM has recently changed, the last factory chrome wheels on a Corvette came on the 2019 C7 models.
Well I’m seeing a lot of black painted wheels, grilles and rear end exterior trim peeling off also so this is hardly just a chrome thing. All of these manufacturers are cutting costs and going the environmental route and the quality is tanking as a result. I remember when they switched over to the new way of painting cars years back and paint was literally peeling off hoods and trunk lids. They eventually got it right but it took years to perfect. They can do the same with chrome if they really wanted to!
Back to the late ’80s and ’90s, I guess.
I think chrome, when properly applied and when combined with the right colors, can look quite striking.
Frankly, I’m tired of the blacked-out look.
Hopefully they’ll move to polished stainless to achieve the bright work.
Maybe they’ll move on to trim in Avocado Green, or maybe shag trim! 😉
I guess I’m old-school. I like chrome. I had the option of chrome or painted bumpers on my new 1500. I chose the chrome. It also has aluminum wheels. I have a friend who has an identical truck that is all black, including the wheels. I really just don’t like it.
Nothing wrong with liking chrome, but thank you for admitting it’s old-school.
I upvoted your post, FWIW.
Black plastic is old school too! Back in the 80’s or 35-40 years ago it was the cheap basic rental cars that had the unpainted black plastic bumpers, grilles, exterior mirrors, grilles and window trim. it was never on the higher trim level cars in any abundance. So it’s just a question of how old school both black plastic and chrome are!
Interesting. I’ve always been a fan of chrome. I wonder what kind of alternative they’ll have for those of us that hate blacked-out everything.
Feel free to buy all the fake chrome in the world and apply it. It’s easier to do that then cover it up.
Quite the opposite Brandon, it is easier for those to just plasti dip everything back and follow a trend. Chrome>Black all day, especially in regards to metal bumpers and durability. You need to add PPF to black bumpers but chrome doesn’t need a thing to look nice. This black trend needs to die, a balance is what is needed.
Nobody wants garbage black either. We want body colored. Geez. What is with you oldtimers and wanting to make love to chrome?
Yeah I bet creating an EV battery doesn’t have any hazardous processes involved…
I remember when luxury trims would have dody-colored components (especially noticeable in cars like the 98 Nissan Pathfinder and its Infiniti QX4 sibling). Interesting to see this making a comeback. When I go for top trim vehicles I go more for what’s inside than out. I am good either way with chrome or without it. As long as the car is still attractive and tasteful.
It’s easier to hide all of these ugly designs, with blackout.
The bad part is now everything will be black trimmed . Just boring look at .
Hate ugly black wheels, they look cheap and dirty
I’m ok with polished aluminum, anything but black.
When it comes to wheels it really depends on the color of the car/truck.
Stainless steel trim is best.
I like some chrome or silver accents and dislike all black wheels, many molding and some body panels. To me black should be used sparingly to some degree just like chrome. There is so much “in your face” use of black car parts that the design gets list. I see cars and trucks that are blacked out with almost flat black or some color paint that looks like it’s dead and the owner thinks it’s great and to me it’s a horrible mistake.
This was a new trend 20 years ago. Very few want chrome today.
I’m glad to hear you polled the entire country.
When chrome trim is not on 90% of a particular model, wow, only 10% wanted chrome.
You are that idiot! Should probably outlaw clear coat paint, more of a safety hazard than chrome. Once you are out of your mom’s basement for a while your eyes will adjust.
thank God!!!!!!