The so-called domestic mileage is increasing for the first time after five consecutive declines.

People in Germany are driving more again. Last year, registered cars in Germany covered a good 594 million kilometers, according to data from the Federal Motor Transport Authority. This was 3 million more than the previous year and the first increase since 2018. Prior to this, the so-called domestic mileage by car had fallen five times in a row. In 2018, it was just under 631 million kilometers.

However, the average mileage per car also fell in 2024 – at least for the tenth time in a row. According to the KBA, it was 12,309 kilometers – eleven fewer than in 2023. The fact that the total distance ultimately increased is due to the larger vehicle population. The distance corresponded to approximately four times the distance between Earth and the sun.

The vast majority of the distance was covered by combustion-engine vehicles. Gasoline vehicles accounted for approximately 283 million kilometers, and diesel vehicles for approximately 230 million. Other drive types, such as electric cars, hybrids, or gas-powered vehicles, account for the remaining kilometers, but are not reported separately.

In 2024, petrol vehicles were driven an average of 9,555 kilometers, while diesel vehicles were driven 16,984. Diesel vehicles are particularly popular with frequent drivers: once a certain annual mileage is reached, their purchase is generally worthwhile because the lower consumption and cheaper fuel offset the higher purchase costs and higher vehicle tax.

The increased mileage is also consistent with the fact that more gasoline was delivered in Germany last year, as can be seen from preliminary data from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control: 17.7 million tons of gasoline were delivered – 2.1 percent more than in 2023. However, diesel sales fell by 3.3 percent to 32.2 million tons. Unlike gasoline, which primarily powers cars and motorcycles, diesel is also widely used for trucks, tractors, and buses. Their mileage declined slightly last year. These larger commercial vehicles combined covered almost 102 million kilometers, while motorcycles covered around 10 million.