As part of the ongoing collaboration between Russia and Cuba, Moscow's Deputy Mayor of Transport and Industry, Maxim Liksutov, alongside Cuba's Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, have signed an agreement to deliver Moskvitch vehicles to enhance taxi services on the island. This memorandum was formalized during the recent visit of the Cuban official to Russia. Liksutov assured that Moscow will send an initial batch of 50 Moskvitch cars to Cuba, with the potential to adjust the cars' multimedia systems for Spanish language use to ensure efficiency.
The vehicles are earmarked for the taxi fleets in Havana and Varadero, aiming to boost urban transport while providing improved comfort and security for passengers. These services are expected to operate in foreign currency. The announcement, shared on Telegram by the Moscow Department of Transport, mentioned the creation of a task force to establish a suitable business model for the Cuban market.
Enhancing Urban Mobility Amidst Crisis
Deputy Mayor Liksutov emphasized his administration's dedication to international cooperation in transportation, highlighting Moscow's readiness to share its expertise and technological innovations with Cuba. "We support our Cuban partners' efforts to develop urban transportation and make travel more convenient and safe," stated Liksutov.
This agreement comes amid a severe transportation crisis in Cuba, characterized by resource scarcity, deteriorating road infrastructure, a lack of spare parts, aging vehicle fleets, and fuel shortages. The crisis has significantly impacted both public and private transport, hindering citizen mobility and economic growth.
Historical Ties in Auto Trade
The Cuban government has sought to alleviate this situation through international agreements, mainly with Russia and China, which have played a pivotal role in modernizing or renewing the island's vehicle fleet. Moscow and Havana share a longstanding history of trading "Soviet cars." In 2017, Russia resumed the export of 320 Ladas Vesta to Cuba after a 12-year hiatus. These vehicles were allocated for tourism and taxi services, with technical support to ensure their operation.
In 2022, Russia revived the production of Moskvitch, a brand that has been emblematic in Cuba since the 1970s, known for being part of labor incentives in the Caribbean nation.