Why do modern cars have colour-coded bumpers?

Can you explain to me why the motor trade is so keen to promote colour coded bumpers and side rubbing strips, to the extent that it is now very difficult to purchase a car (Peugeot and Citroen being honourable exceptions) that has the more traditional black versions? I'm told that colour coding makes the car more attractive to look at, but in this age of financial austerity, should sensible motorists not be looking for ways to reduce their running costs, rather than boosting the potential earnings of body shops?

Asked on 18 August 2010 by GRUMPYDUNDEE

Answered by Honest John
This is rhetorical because you have answered your own question. Instead of bumpers many modern cars have soft plastic fronts with progressively collapsible sections behind to cushion severe impacts.
Tags: bodywork
Similar questions
I see that an old Citroen HY Van body has been made from fibreglass. I am not talking about the latest body skin panels put onto a new model. Do you know who the supplier is? I would really appreciate...
My 1968 MG 1100 has cracked underneath and come away from the body. Can it be repaired? It is made of what looks like a hard cardboard. Could I buy a replacement? The only metal under the car is the exhaust...
I bought a six month old Porsche 911 (991) model Carrera from a Porsche main dealer in September 2015. Mechanically the car is perfect, but there is an abundance of creaks and rattles from the interior...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer