The Cuban actor Alejandro Cuervo surprised his wife, the dentist Arletis Rodríguez, with a white car adorned with a large red bow, in what appears to be a blend of a personal gift and a promotional action for the joint venture MCV Comercial S.A., the official representative of Mercedes-Benz in Cuba.
In a video shared by the actor himself, you can see the moment Arletis reacts with excitement upon seeing the vehicle and embraces and kisses her partner for the gift, as she gets into the car for the first time and the subsequent signing of documents.
Big decisions are made with the heart, but also with the assurance of being in good hands. I love you, my queen; with you, everything has been possible. It wasn't a coincidence because with MCV Comercial S.A you find transparency, support, and real guarantees. Each delivery is more than a purchase; it's the assurance of choosing the best,” Cuervo wrote on Instagram, which clearly promotes the company’s services.
From the images, it appears to be a FAW Bestune NAT E5, an electric car of Chinese origin, distributed in Cuba by MCV Comercial S.A. This model has a range of 315 kilometers per charge, operates entirely on electricity, and has a final price of 20,280 USD, according to the catalog shared by the company itself at the beginning of 2025.
The publication is part of a broader marketing campaign driven by MCV Comercial S.A., which has also included the collaboration of Cuban artists and content creators such as Haila María Mompié, actor Carlos Luis González, stylist Dorian Carbonell, among others.
Luxury cars in a Cuba mired in crisis
This type of promotion occurs in a context that is particularly sensitive for most Cubans. In January of this year, MCV Comercial S.A. published a catalog with prices ranging from $51,000 to over $191,000 for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. For models of Chinese origin, such as FAW, DFSK, Skywell, or Foton, prices range from $16,000 to $46,000.
Meanwhile, the country’s economic reality starkly contrasts with these foreign currency figures. Cuba is experiencing one of the worst crises in its recent history, marked by frequent blackouts, uncontrollable inflation, widespread shortages of food and medicine, and a collapsed public transportation system.
The promotion of cars with prices unattainable for the average citizen has sparked criticism among users on social media, many of whom view these campaigns as a bubble disconnected from the daily life of most Cubans, characterized by scarcity and uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Promotion of Luxury Cars in Cuba
What car model did Alejandro Cuervo's wife receive?
Alejandro Cuervo's wife received a FAW Bestune NAT E5, an electric vehicle of Chinese origin, distributed in Cuba by MCV Comercial S.A. This model has a range of 315 kilometers per charge and is priced at 20,280 USD.
Why does the promotion of luxury cars generate criticism in Cuba?
The promotion of luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz generates criticism in Cuba because it starkly contrasts with the economic reality of the country. While vehicles with prices unattainable for most are being showcased, the population is facing blackouts, inflation, shortages, and a deficient public transportation system.
What role does MCV Comercial S.A. play in promoting cars in Cuba?
MCV Comercial S.A. is the official representative of Mercedes-Benz and other vehicles in Cuba, and has launched a marketing campaign that includes collaboration with Cuban artists and content creators. The company offers luxury and mid-range cars, presenting them as a more economical option compared to independent imports due to high tariffs.
How are the actions of Cuban public figures who promote these cars perceived?
The actions of public figures promoting luxury cars in Cuba are perceived as disconnected from the daily reality of most Cubans. These messages are often seen as a bubble of privilege, in a context where the majority of the population struggles with basic needs and cannot access such luxuries.
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