Albania's farewell to the Mercedes star: Cheap Chinese electric cars replace durable second-hand models

Albania's roads are witnessing a dramatic shift, with Chinese electric vehicles rapidly replacing the once-ubiquitous used Mercedes-Benz cars. For decades, the robust and easily maintained Mercedes-Benz was the symbol of status and the practical choice for navigating Albania's mountainous terrain. Around the turn of the millennium, these durable German sedans reportedly made up 70% to 90% of the national fleet, and even in 2022, one in three registered cars was a Mercedes.

However, this long-standing affection for the three-pointed star is fading fast. In the first half of this year alone, Chinese automaker BYD secured a 50% market share for new registrations in Albania, according to a Deutsche Welle report. Other Chinese manufacturers like Leapmotor and Geely, along with Chinese-made Volkswagen models, are also catering to a growing demand for hybrid and electric cars.

The primary driver behind this transition is price. Albania, as an EU candidate country, benefits from waived EU protective tariffs on Chinese automobiles. Coupled with direct imports by private individuals rather than through dealerships, these Chinese EVs often cost less than half of what they would in Western Europe. This economic advantage is accelerating the departure of the beloved, albeit aging, Mercedes fleet.