Related videos:
The first batch of UAZ Patriot off-road vehicles assembled in Cuba has been delivered "to the customer."
This was reported on Saturday by the Embassy of Russia in Cuba, which did not provide further details about the delivery or the identity of the client.
The vehicles are assembled from kits at a plant in Cuba and adapted to the climatic and road conditions of the region, the information specifies.
They also reported that the delivery of the UAZ Pickup model will begin soon and that "the production capacity of the line is expected to reach 500 vehicles annually."
In April of last year, the assembly plant on the island was inaugurated during the visit of Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Chernyshenko, to Cuba.
During the event, Cuban and Russian officials praised the "strengthening of industrial ties between both countries."
The vehicles had been displayed at the EISA booth during the International Transport and Logistics Fair, an event through which the regime aims to attract investments in response to the severe crisis in the transportation sector.
Last year, the regime signed an agreement with the Russian company ECHO-Export SRL to assemble and repair vehicles of the UAZ brand.
The project was presented at the Cubaindustria 2024 exhibition to strengthen bilateral economic relations and modernize Cuba's transportation infrastructure, according to said Miguel Ángel Pedroso Madin, Business Director of the Integral Automotive Services Company (EISA) of Cuba.
This agreement initially includes the Patriot and Pickup models, and in a subsequent phase, there are plans to assemble light cargo vehicles from the Profi brand. The goal is to replace imports, "directly improve" transportation in Cuba, and leverage the adaptability of these vehicles for any economic sector, according to the source.
Russian and Cuban businessmen commented last year during the signing of the agreement that Pickup models could be transformed into hearses, one of the major issues facing the transportation sector.
UAZ has had a presence on the Island for 20 years and is also planning to offer after-sales services and warranties that promote the sustainability of vehicles and extend their lifespan through the regular supply of Russian parts and components, as clarified by Ruslán Ignátev, technical director and deputy representative of ECHO-Export SRL.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Delivery of Russian UAZ Vehicles in Cuba
What UAZ vehicle models are being assembled in Cuba?
The UAZ vehicle models currently assembled in Cuba are the Patriot and the Pickup. In the future, there are plans to assemble light cargo vehicles from the Profi brand. These vehicles are assembled from kits at a Cuban plant and are adapted to the climatic and road conditions of the region.
What is the production capacity of the assembly plant in Cuba?
It is expected that the production capacity of the assembly line in Cuba will reach 500 vehicles annually. This increase in production aims to improve transportation in Cuba and replace imports, taking advantage of these vehicles' adaptability for various economic sectors.
How will Cuba benefit from the assembly of UAZ vehicles?
The assembly of UAZ vehicles in Cuba aims to strengthen bilateral economic relations with Russia and modernize the country's transportation infrastructure. Additionally, by assembling vehicles locally, it is expected to replace imports and enhance the transportation system on the island. There are also plans to offer after-sales services and warranties to extend the lifespan of the assembled cars.
Why is the Cuban government collaborating with Russia in the automotive sector?
The Cuban government is collaborating with Russia in the automotive sector to alleviate the transportation crisis facing the island. Furthermore, this collaboration aims to attract foreign investments and strengthen industrial ties at a time when the Cuban economy is experiencing serious difficulties, such as fuel shortages and the deterioration of the automotive fleet.
Filed under: