The Albanian Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) has released its annual report, "Characteristics of Road Vehicles", offering a comprehensive overview of the structure and dynamics of registered vehicles across the country for the year 2024. The data reveals a significant increase in the number of vehicles on the road, reflecting the country's ongoing economic development, urban expansion, and rising demand for personal mobility.
Nearly One Million Vehicles Registered
By the end of 2024, the total number of registered road vehicles in Albania — including both active and temporarily deregistered ones — reached 959,226, marking a 10.5% increase compared to the previous year. This upward trend signals not only a growing vehicle market but also a broader shift in Albanian transportation habits.
Private Cars Dominate the Roads
Passenger cars continue to dominate the national fleet, accounting for 80.8% of all road vehicles. The ratio of cars per 1,000 inhabitants also increased substantially, rising from 292 in 2023 to 328 in 2024. This suggests greater accessibility to private transport among the population and highlights the role of cars in everyday mobility.
Tirana Leads, Durrës and Fier Follow
A breakdown by region shows that Tirana County leads the nation with 34.8% of all registered vehicles. Durrës and Fier follow, together comprising a significant portion of the total fleet. Notably, Durrës stands out for having the highest number of passenger cars per 1,000 inhabitants — 483 — indicating a dense concentration of vehicles relative to the local population.
Manual Transmissions Still Predominant
In terms of technical features, 58.8% of vehicles in circulation are equipped with manual transmissions, suggesting that despite global shifts toward automation, traditional gearboxes remain dominant in Albania.
One of the report’s more encouraging signs of modernization is the rise in newer vehicles: 44.4% of all registered vehicles were manufactured after 2011, demonstrating a gradual renewal of the car fleet with more recent and possibly more environmentally friendly models.
Diesel Dominates, But Electric Vehicles Are Rising
Diesel remains the most commonly used fuel type, powering 72.9% of all passenger cars. However, a notable trend is the doubling in the number of electric vehicles compared to 2023, signaling a growing awareness and interest in sustainable transport options. While still a small fraction of the total, this increase reflects a positive step toward greener mobility.
Preferred Car Brands: Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz
When it comes to consumer preferences, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz continue to be the most favored car brands in Albania. These brands lead the rankings for the most commonly used passenger cars, maintaining a strong presence on Albanian roads.
A Market on the Move
The rise in the number of vehicles, the gradual shift toward newer and electric models, and improvements in technical structure all point to a dynamic and evolving transportation landscape in Albania. The 2024 data highlights how the country is gradually aligning with modern European mobility standards, even as challenges remain — particularly in sustainability and infrastructure.
As Albania continues to develop, transportation policies and urban planning will play a crucial role in ensuring that the growing vehicle fleet contributes positively to both mobility and quality of life.