Hamburg  - An increasing number of car buyers in Germany are opting for earthy 1970s-style colours such as brown amid signs that the era of dazzling white paintwork may be over.

Statistics on new car registrations in Germany show that 29,770 new cars were delivered to buyers in shades of brown in the first half of 2009 - as many as were sold in the 12 months of 2007. Automotive experts said buyers were attracted to the warm hues for fuel-frugal cars as motorists become increasingly environmentally-conscious.

Deep browns are becoming fashionable along with the chestnut shades offered by manufacturers such as Germany's Mercedes-Benz and Volvo of Sweden.

The trend marks a return to the hues favoured by motorists 30 years ago. In Germany in 1980 automakers sold four times as many brown cars as black examples although the latter colour went on to dominate the streets in the 1980s and early 1990s.

White paintwork has gained increased acceptance since 2006, with high-gloss and pearlescent effects in demand in the upper price segments of the car market. The colour is seen to represent cleanliness and eco-awareness. (dpa)