Related videos:
The Cuban government announced this Tuesday that the new registration process for exchanging old cars for low-technical vehicles from the state sector, scheduled to begin on March 21, has been postponed due to the disconnection of the National Electric System (SEN).
Through his page on the social network Facebook, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Minister of Transportation on the island, announced that the start of registrations on the SASA website has been postponed.
“It has been decided to postpone this provision for new cases and to allow additional time so that all those with approved files according to the procedures in effect before December 31, 2024, and who have not yet registered in the system, have the opportunity to complete the registration process before access for new interested parties begins,” wrote Rodríguez Dávila.
The measure affects those interested in replacing low-technical vehicles, intended to substitute for old automobiles in poor condition that have completed their service period in tourism.
In case of any questions, the regime indicated that there are communication channels available through the customer service number of SASA (7 206-9952), via the email address cliente@sasa.co.cu, or directly at the offices of the entity.
Cuba and the system for exchanging classic cars for recoverable vehicles from the state sector
On March 13, the Ministry of Transportation of Cuba (Mitrans) and the state company Servicios Automotores SA (SASA) announced a new mechanism for owners of old cars to exchange them for vehicles from state entities being decommissioned, reported the official media outlet Cubadebate.
The measure, regulated by Decree 119/2024, is presented as an alternative in response to the shortage of spare parts and the transportation crisis on the island, although it does not address the issue of the aging vehicle fleet or the limited access of Cubans to modern cars.
According to statements gathered by Cubadebate, the process will be managed exclusively through the SAG platform, accessible only from Cuba. Assignments will be made automatically without considering the brand or the year of manufacture of the vehicle.
Each user will have two opportunities to accept or reject the offer, and should the exchange take place, they must pay in national currency a percentage of the cost of the new vehicle received.
Once notified by email, the beneficiaries will have five days to accept the online offer and an additional five days to confirm the process in person. After that, they will have 30 days to deliver their old car and complete the purchase.
More than 3,000 applications were submitted in the first phase of the program, which supposedly concluded on March 16th.
The assigned vehicles will not be new models, but rather units that have been decommissioned in the tourism sector and other state institutions. While some do feature more recent technology than cars that have been inactive for decades, access to modern vehicles in the country remains an unresolved issue.
It is important to note that the Ministry of Finance sets the prices, which will include taxes and regulated profit margins.
An obsolete and dangerous vehicle fleet
The automotive fleet in Cuba is one of the oldest in the world, featuring a large number of Soviet-made vehicles and American models from the 1940s and 1950s that continue to operate thanks to makeshift repairs.
The lack of spare parts forces many drivers to resort to makeshift modifications, which compromises safety on the roads.
This is compounded by the high costs of vehicles on the island, where purchasing a modern car remains inaccessible for most of the population. In the state market, prices have historically been high, and in the informal market, shortages further limit purchasing options.
The condition of the vehicle fleet also contributes to the high traffic accident rate in the country. According to official data, many of the incidents reported in recent years have been linked to mechanical failures, brake system malfunctions, or the inability to find suitable replacement parts for preventive maintenance. The poor condition of the roads and inadequate traffic signage further exacerbate the problem.
A partial relief to a long-standing crisis
The new exchange system promoted by the government could provide some relief for certain drivers, but it does not address the underlying problem of access to vehicles in Cuba.
The reliance on reused cars from state entities and the lack of a more accessible import market continue to leave most Cubans without viable options to improve their personal transportation.
As long as there are no options that allow for the purchase of vehicles under more favorable conditions and without restrictions, the transport crisis on the island will continue to be an obstacle to citizens' mobility and a risk factor for road safety.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Exchange of Old Cars in Cuba
Why was the registration for changing old cars in Cuba postponed?
The Cuban government has decided to postpone the registration process due to the disconnection of the National Electric System (SEN). This measure will allow individuals with approved applications before December 31, 2024, more time to complete their registration.
What does the new car exchange system in Cuba consist of?
The new exchange system allows owners of old cars in Cuba to trade their vehicles for others that are decommissioned by state entities. This mechanism aims to ease the transportation crisis on the island, although it does not address the problem of the aging vehicle fleet.
What vehicles are offered in exchange for vintage cars?
The vehicles offered in the exchange are not new models, but rather units decommissioned from the tourism sector and other state institutions. Although some have more recent technology than the older cars, access to modern vehicles in Cuba remains an unresolved issue.
How will the car exchange process be managed in Cuba?
The exchange process will be managed exclusively through the SAG platform, accessible only from Cuba. The assignments will be made automatically and each user will have two opportunities to accept or reject the offer. If the exchange is finalized, a percentage of the cost of the new vehicle received must be paid in national currency.
Filed under:
