The Ministry of Transport of Cuba announced that the implementation of updates to the vehicle marketing policy in the country will be delayed due to the need to align regulations with the involved agencies.
Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the head of the department, explained in a Facebook post that although the regulations were expected to be implemented by this time, the process has taken longer than anticipated.
The minister acknowledged the concerns raised among citizens regarding the new regulations: "We understand everyone's worries," Rodríguez Dávila stated, assuring that the final details are in the reconciliation stage and that information will be provided in due course once the adjustments are finalized.
The policy update includes aspects such as the transfer of ownership of motor vehicles and the marketing in freely convertible currency.
These provisions were approved in Decree 83/2023, aimed at optimizing access to vehicles and generating revenue for the recovery of public transportation in Cuba.
Last September, Rodríguez shared infographics on social media explaining how the prices of imported vehicles are determined, a topic that has drawn criticism from citizens due to their high costs.
According to these graphs, the final price of a vehicle is the result of adding the supplier's base cost, import expenses (6%), commercial margin (20%), and special taxes, which vary depending on the vehicle's category and can reach up to 35%.
For example, a standard vehicle can reach a final price of 15,900 USD or euros, while a high-end car could cost 17,172 USD or euros. These prices are considered unattainable for many professionals in Cuba, who have expressed their frustration through social media.
Last July, the government allowed the importation of vehicles by Cubans on missions abroad, such as medical brigades and diplomatic personnel. Additionally, tariff exemptions were implemented for electric cars, although the lack of infrastructure for these vehicles has raised questions about their viability.
The regime assures that the revenue generated from tariffs and taxes will be allocated to the development of public transportation, a sector that has been severely impacted by the economic crisis the country is experiencing.
However, the high prices of vehicles and the lack of affordable alternatives have intensified the debate surrounding the announced policies.
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