PPG has named Purple Basil as its 2025 Automotive Color of the Year, per the paint supplier’s annual global automotive color trends report. The Color of the Year accolade is intended to provide customers and automakers with insight into the latest in car color trends. Per PPG, the recognition of Purple Basil as the Color of the Year points to a growing demand for a more “personalized experience” as it relates to their vehicle paint.
Purple Basil presents a rich, deep hue with a combination of both blue and red tones, creating an overall effect that “imparts a kinetic energy,” per PPG. Depending on the market, the color is also referred to as Amethyst Shadow or Acai Berry.
Notably, PPG unleashed its team of stylists to tweak Purple Basil for different makes, models, and regions. For example, in the Chinese market, Purple Basil takes on the appearance of a “muted lavender in a matte finish,” considered ideal for luxury sedans and SUVs, while in the U.S. market, the color takes a more vibrant, lighter shade, making it better suited for sports cars with youthful, energetic vibes.
Purple Basil falls under PPG’s “Kinetic” global color theme for 2025, which introduces four distinct palettes tailored to different vehicle styles and consumer tastes. Among these are Extra Celestial, Bio-Fuse, Artificial Earth, and Archive. In addition to Purple Basil, PPG has also developed 40 new exterior and wheel colors that are “tailored to the evolving preferences of consumers.”
“We believe consumers are ready for more color, and the desire for personalized experiences through color continues to drive innovation,” said PPG color styling manager, Americas, Automotive OEM Coatings, Misty Yeomans. “The desire for different textures, finishes, and effects continues to grow and change too.”
While GM does not offer anything specifically called Purple Basil, hues like Stardust Metallic for the Chevy Traverse or Smokey Amethyst Metallic for the Buick Enclave look close.
Comments
I’d never. That’s atrocious. Try again, PPG.
Good thing that is just an opinion. Best part is, there are tons of other colors you can choose from. I am sure many people will like it just like many will not. Me, I dig it, nice to see something other than a neutral tone and not a color that is supercar vibrant. Would I buy it? Most likely not, thought on a more luxury ride for the misses, sure if she liked it. Most would agree that is far from atrocious, just not everyone’s cup of tea.
If “woke” were a color….
Pray tell how a paint color is “woke”? Were Wisteria (1965), Mulberry Grey Firemist (1980), Dusk Plum (1956), Amethyst (1956), and Mountain Haze (1958), “woke”? What about Orchid (1958), Lido Lavender (1959), Prairie Plum (1959), Heather (1960), and Light Rose (1962)? Shall I go on?
Loosen up, it’s just a color.
Purple was used in the 1990’s and fizzled out so will this.
Josh, thats why it’s called a “trend”. They also offered countless purple hues in the ’50s and ’60s. And, as you’ve pointed out, the colors came back around in the ’80s and ’90s.
I just see muted purple to go along with all the other trendy muted colors.
Barney will be pleased to hear this.
Probably not my first choice, but it’s not a boring grayscale so it has that going for it.
First look at the 7th gen Camaro !
Plum Crazy Purple was very popular for Dodge. The more colors the better.
Beautiful colour, loved
My mother-in-law likes “Funeral Home Grey”. It matches her bubbly personality .