Albania Tops Europe in Preference for High-Engine Diesel Cars

 In most European rankings, Albania typically finds itself at the bottom. But when it comes to one particular indicator, the country finally leads the continent — and it has nothing to do with economic growth or infrastructure. Instead, it’s about a strong national preference for cars with powerful engines.

According to Eurostat data analyzed by Monitor, in 2024, 27.8% of all passenger diesel vehicles in Albania had an engine capacity of over 2,000 cubic centimeters (cc) — the highest proportion in Europe.

Albania Leads a Small Club of Big-Engine Enthusiasts

Albania is followed by Latvia (25.7%) and Lithuania (20.9%), where climate and long distances between cities partly justify the need for more powerful vehicles. Estonia follows at 18.6%. Neighboring Kosovo also shows a preference for large vehicles, with 16.6% of diesel cars exceeding 2,000cc.

On the opposite end, Serbia and Turkey report extremely low figures — just 3.8% and 1.3% respectively — underscoring Albania’s unique position.

In total, Albania has around 567,000 diesel vehicles, of which 215,000 are above 2,000cc. Meanwhile, 308,000 (40%) fall in the 1,400–1,999cc range, and only 5.5% have engines below 1,399cc.

Diesel Dominance and European Contrasts

This trend is partly explained by the fact that 74% of all passenger vehicles in Albania run on diesel, one of the highest shares in Europe. By contrast, many EU countries favor petrol and alternative energy vehicles, which are less polluting.

For example, in the Netherlands, only 0.6% of passenger cars exceed 2,000cc, and just 7.4% are diesel-powered. A dominant 65.5% run on petrol, while the rest are hybrid or electric — a far cry from Albania’s vehicle landscape, where petrol-powered cars make up just 16.5% of the fleet.

Why Albanians Prefer Big Diesel Engines

This preference is not merely a matter of performance or practicality. It reflects a complex mix of economic, cultural, and logistical factors that have shaped Albania’s used car market over the years.

1. An Imported Used-Car Market

The vast majority of cars in Albania are second-hand imports, primarily from Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. In these countries, large-engine vehicles are heavily taxed and expensive to insure, prompting owners to sell them abroad — often at low prices. Albania, until recently, imposed minimal engine-size-related taxes, making these high-powered cars attractive to local buyers.

2. Cars as a Status Symbol

In Albanian society, a car is more than a means of transport — it’s a statement of social status. Owning a Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Audi — often with engines exceeding 2.0L — is seen as a symbol of success, regardless of the car’s age or fuel efficiency. In fact, luxury brands are more common on Albanian roads than in many wealthier EU nations.

3. Geography and Infrastructure

Much of Albania’s territory is mountainous and rural, with poorly maintained roads and challenging weather conditions, especially in winter. For families living outside urban centers, a powerful engine is a necessity, not a luxury — it’s needed to navigate difficult terrain and long, winding roads.

The Tide May Be Turning

However, change is on the horizon. Rising fuel prices, growing environmental awareness, and the increasing availability of hybrid and electric vehicles are starting to shift consumer preferences.

The Albanian government has introduced new taxation policies that penalize cars over 2,000cc and impose environmental levies on high-emission vehicles. These measures are already influencing urban buyers, especially in larger cities like Tirana, where demand for smaller, cleaner, and more efficient cars is gradually increasing.

While Albanians may still lead Europe in their love for big diesel engines, the combination of economic pressure, policy changes, and environmental concerns suggests that this trend might not last forever.

For now, though, Albania wears the crown — not for being the greenest, but for being the boldest on the road.