MCV Comercial S.A, the authorized distributor for Mercedes Benz and other luxury vehicles in Cuba, marked a milestone by making its first car sale, as documented in a video featuring their initial customer. "Today, we make history together," the company announced on social media, celebrating the recent "opening" of the Cuban market following new vehicle import and sales regulations approved by the regime.
Interestingly, although the dealership showcases an array of German luxury cars, with starting prices above $50,000, the first purchase was a Chinese vehicle from the DFSK brand. The Havana Mercedes Benz store also offers more budget-friendly brands, including Chinese models, ranging from $16,000 to $22,000, according to its catalog.
The first Cuban customer described the buying experience as "spectacular." He learned about the dealership through social media, located Mercedes on Facebook, and quickly contacted the sales representative. "From the initial contact to the service, everything was very fast and efficient. I arrived at a quarter to nine in the morning, and by ten, we had completed the entire process," he noted in the video shared by MCV Comercial S.A.
On January 1, new reforms on vehicle importation, sales, and transfer came into effect, aiming to modernize the auto fleet and ease transportation challenges on the island. The legal text aimed to update a regulatory framework that had remained inflexible for decades, with the stated goal of improving transportation management and liberalizing vehicle access.
Since opening for business on January 9, the Mercedes Benz office in Havana reported an overwhelming demand from customers eager to purchase vehicles under the new Decree 119/24. This high interest has led to a saturation of appointments, leaving many hopeful buyers on waiting lists.
In response, the company released a statement expressing gratitude to the Cuban people for their trust and assured that the contracting process is being handled methodically, albeit with a significant backlog of registrations.
Dongfeng Sokon, known globally as DFSK, is a joint venture between Dongfeng and Chongqing Sokon Industry Group Co Ltd., established on June 27, 2003, in China. DFSK manufactures vans, flatbed commercial trucks, and passenger vehicles under the Dongfeng Fengguang brand.
FAQs on the New Cuban Vehicle Market
What changes did the new Cuban vehicle regulations introduce?
The new regulations aimed to modernize the vehicle fleet in Cuba and improve transportation management by liberalizing the importation, sale, and transfer of vehicles.
Why did the first customer choose a DFSK car over a Mercedes Benz?
The customer opted for a DFSK vehicle due to its more affordable price range, which starts from $16,000, compared to the higher prices of Mercedes Benz cars.
How has the demand been for vehicles at the Mercedes Benz store in Havana?
The demand has been overwhelming, resulting in a saturation of appointments and a waiting list for interested customers.