The Cuban singer Haila María Mompié appeared in a promotional video for the joint venture MCV Comercial S.A., the representative of Mercedes-Benz in Cuba, recommending the purchase of cars at their headquarters in Havana because, as she stated, they are "more economical" than importing them due to high tariffs.
“My loves, we are here at the dealer of Mercedes-Benz in Havana. There are many cars that you can truly adopt because they have very good prices. I highly recommend them,” the artist expressed in a video shared on social media.
Mompié, from a BAIC car, insisted that purchasing a vehicle from that entity can be cheaper than individual importation, as it avoids procedures, paperwork, and the long wait for the arrival of the car.
"Here you will find your car with the tax and everything included. At a price that I guarantee may even be more economical than the import you are making," he assured.
A strategy with public faces
Haila's intervention is not an isolated event. MCV Comercial S.A., sponsored by the Ministry of Transport, has launched a campaign on social media featuring the hairstylist Dorian Carbonell, sports announcer Evian Guerra, actor Carlos Luis González, and comedians El Habanero and Otto Ortiz. They all showcase the luxury and mid-range cars that the company promotes on the island.
In January of this year, the company itself published a catalog with prices ranging from 51,000 to over 191,000 dollars for Mercedes-Benz models, and between 16,000 and 46,000 dollars for Chinese vehicles such as FAW, DFSK, Skywell, and Foton.
The promotion of these cars stands in stark contrast to the reality of a country immersed in one of its worst economic crises. While the catalogs mention figures in foreign currency, millions of Cubans face constant blackouts, shortages of food and medicine, uncontrolled inflation, and a virtually collapsed public transportation system.
It is not the first time that this type of message has sparked controversy. The sports presenter Héctor Villar was already criticized in 2024 for appearing in a similar video showing the supposed ease of buying a Mercedes in Cuba, and more recently, the government journalist Oliver Zamora was questioned for purchasing a Bestune T55 costing almost 27 thousand dollars through the same company, although he later denied this purchase.
In all cases, the popular perception has been the same: a parallel reality that showcases unattainable luxuries for the majority, while the population remains trapped between scarcity and daily precariousness.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Luxury Car Promotion in Cuba
Why does Haila Mompié recommend buying cars at MCV Comercial S.A.?
Haila Mompié suggests that buying cars at MCV Comercial S.A., the representative of Mercedes-Benz in Cuba, is more economical than importing them due to the high tariffs and procedures associated with personal imports. According to the artist, purchasing a vehicle at the Havana location allows one to avoid these costs and paperwork.
What are the prices of the cars promoted by MCV Comercial S.A. in Cuba?
MCV Comercial S.A. offers cars with prices ranging from 51,000 to over 191,000 dollars for Mercedes-Benz models. Chinese vehicles such as FAW, DFSK, Skywell, and Foton have prices between 16,000 and 46,000 dollars, contrasting with the economic reality of most Cubans.
What criticisms has the promotion of luxury cars in Cuba generated?
The promotion of these luxury cars has been criticized for its disconnection from the Cuban reality, where the majority face shortages of food, medicine, blackouts, and rampant inflation. The display of unattainable luxuries for most reinforces the perception of inequality and privileges for a select few in a country in crisis.
What role do public figures play in the campaign of MCV Comercial S.A.?
MCV Comercial S.A. has utilized a marketing strategy that involves public figures such as Haila Mompié, Dorian Carbonell, Evian Guerra, Carlos Luis González, and comedians El Habanero and Otto Ortiz. These well-known faces promote luxury and mid-range cars, attempting to enhance their appeal in a market constrained by the economic crisis.
Filed under:
