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Finauto International Ltd., the Italian company officially distributing brands such as KIA and SsangYong in Cuba, has released an updated list of vehicles available for the market in 2025.
The published prices include VAT, but do not cover registration or transportation. The values may vary depending on the vehicle configuration.
The Cuban government has implemented new regulations for the importation, sale, and transfer of vehicles, aiming to modernize the vehicle fleet and relieve the "transportation crisis" affecting the population.
The provisions, published in Official Gazette No. 128 of 2024, came into effect on January 1, 2025. However, despite the regulatory changes, prices remain unaffordable for most citizens.
Below are some of the standout models from Finauto's catalog:
Family and luxury cars:
KIA Sorento (Gasoline 2500 cc): €37,000 (approximately $39,800).
KIA Carnival (Gasoline 3470 cc): € 33,000 (about 35,500 USD).
KIA Niro HEV (SmartStream G1.6 Hybrid): €32,000 (approximately $34,400).
Compact models:
KIA Picanto MT (Gasoline 1200 cc): € 13,000 (approximately 14,000 USD).
KIA Picanto AT (Gasoline 1200 cc): €13,500 (approximately $14,500).
KIA Picanto GT (Gasoline 1200 cc): € 16,500 (approximately 17,700 USD).
KIA Soluto MT (Gasoline 1398 cc): €14,500 (about 15,600 USD).
KIA Soluto AT (Gasoline 1398 cc): € 15,500 (about 16,700 USD).
KIA Stonic (Gasoline 1398 cc): € 16,500 (approximately 17,700 USD).
Electric vehicles:
KIA EV5: €32,000 (approximately $34,400).
KIA EV6: €48,000 (about $51,600).
KIA EV9 (Electric AWD): €54,000 (approximately $58,100).
Other models from the SsangYong brand (KGM):
KGM Tivoli G16DF: €21,900 (approximately $23,600).
KGM Actyon G15GDI Turbo: €35,900 (approximately $38,600).
KGM Torres G15GDI Turbo: €33,500 (approximately $36,000).
KGM Korando G15GDI Turbo: €27,500 (approximately $29,600).
KGM Rexton G200TR GDI Turbo: €38,000 (approximately $40,900).
KGM Musso G200TR GDI Turbo: € 29,900 (approximately 32,200 USD).
Despite the promises of regulatory easing, vehicle prices remain unaffordable for the average Cuban.
For example, a compact model like the KIA Picanto MT has a starting price of €13,000 (equivalent to approximately 15,900 USD).
To put this into perspective, the average monthly salary in Cuba is around 3,000 pesos (approximately 10 USD), which amounts to more than 100 years of work to acquire a basic vehicle.
The new regulatory framework includes provisions such as:
-Reduction of trade margins to 20% for state entities.
-Preferential tariffs of 10% for electric and low-consumption vehicles, while internal combustion vehicles face rates of up to 30%.
-Incentives for the importation of electric vehicles and the development of charging infrastructure.
-Possibility of transferring vehicles between individuals and legal entities.
Additionally, the marketing of used vehicles from tourism in national currency is prioritized, although these prices will also be determined based on the secondary market.
Although the reforms represent a step toward modernizing the vehicle fleet, current prices perpetuate inaccessibility for the majority of the population.
Founded in 1994 in Cuba, Finauto began its operations in 1995, focusing on the sale of various types of transportation, such as light commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses, primarily aimed at the tourism sector.
Recently, Finauto has introduced Chinese-made electric cars to the Cuban market, targeting the emerging private sector. These vehicles, under the Jin Ma J2-P brand, have a range between 100 and 210 kilometers and are available in passenger car, refrigerated cargo, and open cargo configurations, with prices ranging from 8,900 to 11,950 euros.
Finauto's headquarters in Cuba is located at Calle 182 # 1311, between 13 and 15, Siboney neighborhood, Playa municipality, Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Sales in Cuba by Finauto
What are the prices of the cars that Finauto offers in Cuba?
Finauto offers a variety of models with prices that vary significantly. Family and luxury cars, such as the KIA Sorento, cost € 37,000 (around 39,800 USD), while compact models like the KIA Picanto MT are priced at € 13,000 (around 14,000 USD). Electric vehicles, such as the KIA EV6, are sold for € 48,000 (around 51,600 USD).
What changes have the new regulations on vehicle imports in Cuba introduced?
The new regulations in Cuba include preferential tariffs for electric and low-consumption vehicles, as well as the possibility of transferring vehicles between individuals and legal entities. Additionally, commercial margins have been reduced to 20% for state entities, and incentives for the importation of electric vehicles have been introduced. However, prices remain high for the majority of Cubans.
Why are car prices so high in Cuba?
The prices of cars in Cuba are high due to a combination of tariffs, special taxes, and profit margins. Although the government has reduced some margins, the final price remains unaffordable for most due to the low average salary in the country. Additionally, internal combustion cars face rates of up to 30%, which further increases costs.
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