The Cuban painter Maykel Herrera surprised his followers by announcing the purchase of a new car, the Dongfeng T5 EVO, in Cuba, but he shared an interesting fact: he cannot use the vehicle's features to the fullest for a significant reason.
This Dongfeng model is valued at 38,900 US dollars, which the artist paid in full, without financing options and via international transfer, according to the requirements set by the company for sales in Cuba.
The prices of Dongfeng cars in Havana, in 2025, range from 15,900 euros (about 21,010 dollars) to 34,100 euros (about 37,510 dollars). The one acquired by Herrera is one of the most expensive models from the Chinese brand currently available in the Cuban market.
The acquisition was announced by the company itself on its social media, where they posted: "Thank you Maykel Herrera for choosing us and for the immense gratitude. It is a pride to have you as a customer and loyal friend." In the post, they also described the vehicle as "powerful and charming."
A high-performance car in a country with impassable roads
Herrera shared technical details about the car, highlighting its power and design. "It has a powerful engine, a German Magna transmission with seven speeds that I really won't be able to use at 100% (...) As for speed, there's no point in discussing that. It’s a powerful car from a technical standpoint," he remarked.
This compact SUV is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 197 horsepower and a maximum torque of 285 Nm. The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, manufactured by the German company Magna.
The Dongfeng T5 EVO can reach a top speed of 195 km/h. In the excitement of his purchase, Herrera overlooked a subtle detail: he won't be able to use the full power of his car to enjoy a fast and safe drive.
The artist's self-imposed restriction is not only due to respecting the legally regulated speed limit, but also because of the poor conditions of the roads in Cuba that do not allow for those levels of "speed", not even on the national highway.
His testimony highlights the contradiction between the technological advancement of imported high-end cars and the precarious state of transportation and the road network in the country.
High-end vehicles are equipped with highly precise gear transmission systems, powerful engines, and aerodynamic designs, features intended for modern roads that are far removed from the prevailing conditions found in Cuban geography.
A luxury reserved for few
The brand Dongfeng, founded in 1969 in China and currently one of the most important in Asia, has successfully established a strong presence in Cuba, especially in the vehicle rental sector for tourism. However, its foray into direct sales to individuals, such as Herrera, represents a new phase of its commercial strategy in the Caribbean nation.
Maykel Herrera is one of the most prominent Cuban visual artists of his generation. His work has crossed borders and has been displayed in galleries across Europe and America. Now, his life also reflects the contrasts of the country where he resides.
While some Cubans manage to access new luxury cars, the vast majority continue to face difficulties in getting around. Everyday tasks such as going to work or putting a meal on the table can be an insurmountable challenge in this very country.
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