Mercedes-Benz is one of the world’s leading luxury brands, frequently serving as a symbol of economic success and aspiration. The German manufacturer produces a wide range of models, including ICE vehicles, performance vehicles, and electric vehicles. But have you ever wondered which country in the world has the most Mercedes-Benz cars per capita? Albania is a small European country with a population of just over 28 lakh people.
Albania will have 7.40 lakh registered vehicles in 2022, 2.12 lakh of which would be Mercedes-Benzes, making up about 29 to 30 percent of the total. This indicates that the three-pointed star is shown on approximately every third or fourth vehicle observed on Albanian roadways. The majority of Mercedes-Benz vehicles seen on the highways or in owner clubs are timeless sedans from the 1990s, such the E-Class (also known as the W124 in 80s and 90s).
A convoy of SUVs even includes the nation’s current president, Bajram Begaj, who is escorted in a Mercedes-Benz S350. But, using a Mercedes for transportation these days is not that unusual for national leaders.
Why is the German marque so popular?
If several sources are to be believed, Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship over Albania in the mid-1900s is when Mercedes-Benz first became widely popular. At the time, private car ownership was prohibited by the communist government, although Hoxha covertly owned many vehicles. His favourite was a 600 or W100 Pullman that was custom-built. The cost back then is almost equivalent to two lakh Euros now, or roughly Rs. 1.76 crore.
The people’s standard of living in 1991, when Albania reverted to a democratically elected government and started opening up to capitalism, would have been Hoxha’s fleet of numerous Mercedes.
The fact that these automobiles could navigate Albania’s varied terrain, including terrible pavement and dirt roads, contributed to Mercedes-rise Benz’s to fame. In addition, many have stated things like how “simple to maintain” and “robust” they are as reasons to purchase Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Now, it has a large following of admirers and aficionados, from those who want to keep their vintage Mercedes cars in excellent shape to those who enjoy customising them.
As the government has prohibited the sale of older models and the majority of people cannot afford the newer ones, the market share of the Mercedes-Benz brand in Albania will eventually decline.
Mercedes-Benz Automobiles in Albania and India
To put things in perspective between our market and the Albanian market, India (where Mercedes-Benz remains the best-selling luxury carmaker) receives a wider range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles (we have 25 models). However, Albania has its own advantage: it has some models that aren’t yet available in India, such as the T-Class and the sportier CLA AMG 45 S. The new C-Class, GLA, and G-Class are common products in both markets.
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