Why are there so many Mercedes-Benz in Albania?
One of the main reasons is historical. During the communist regime that ruled Albania from the end of World War II until 1991, luxury goods and imports were not allowed into the country. However, some government officials were allowed to own luxury cars, and many of them chose Mercedes-Benz as their preferred brand. In the ’90s, when Albanians migrated to Germany, they brought that dream home on four wheels. A Benz wasn’t just a car, it was freedom, pride, and proof that you made it. Even today, whether it’s an old W123 or a brand new G-Class, the Mercedes is more than a vehicle, it’s part of the Albanian identity.It was reported that Albania approximately had 7. Mercedes-Benz, constituting about 29 to 30 percent of the total vehicles, in 2022. This means that almost every third or fourth car seen on Albanian roads is wearing the three-pointed star.Volkswagen is the most purchased brand by Balkans in 2020. Opel and Peugeot are the other two preferred brands for Balkans. In fourth place is Audi, while Renault is fifth.Volkswagen, mercedes, and audi dominate the albanian car market, making up the majority of imports. In 2024, many albanians have shipped these brands from america using international transport services, with ocean freight being a popular option for bringing their cars from the usa to albania.
Why do Albanians only drive Mercedes-Benz?
Another reason why Mercedes-Benz became a household name was because of the ability of these cars to deal with all kinds of surfaces in Albania, including bad tarmac and dirt roads. People have also cited reasons like “easy to maintain” and them being “robust” as the main factors to buy Mercedes-Benz cars. Mercedes-Benz is a renowned German automobile manufacturer founded in 1926, known for producing a wide range of luxury vehicles, trucks, coaches, and buses.
Can Brits drive in Albania?
Road travel You may find it useful to have a 1968 international driving permit ( IDP ) as well as your UK licence. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You must carry a green card as proof of vehicle insurance to drive your car in Albania. To drive legally in Albania, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your Indian driving license. For non-EU/EEA citizens, an IDP is mandatory, and it’s advisable to carry it when renting a car. What is the difference between an International Driving Permit and an International Driver’s License?Albania is a low-income country by Western European standards, with a GDP per capita lower than all countries in the EU.Albania is one of only few European countries to explicitly ban discrimination on the basis of gender identity. The law also exceeds EU minimum standards, which require that employers refrain from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.Alcohol Limit in Albania Albania has a strict blood alcohol limit of 0. Europe. This effectively means drivers should not consume any alcohol before driving.
What car represents Albania?
After all the Albanians like to show off now and then, so owning a Mercedes is quite a symbol of their pride. A German, an Italian and an Albanian are in heaven after they died. Albanians are particularly welcoming to Americans as they appreciate the NATO support during the Kosovo War. The capital city of Tirana is the cultural and financial hub of the country.