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New luxury Chinese, Japanese and US cars a contrast to vintage classics on Cuba’s streets

Easing of import restrictions sees a sudden influx of luxury cars from Japan, South Korea, China and the US in Cuba, especially in Havana

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A Tiggo 8 car from Chinese brand Chery is driven past old American cars in Havana, Cuba. More luxury cars from Chinese, Japanese, Korean and US carmakers are appearing on Cuba’s streets after an easing of import restrictions. Photo: AFP
Agence France-Presse

Brand new Mercedes, state-of-the-art 4x4s, even Teslas: high-end modern cars have started appearing in the Cuban capital Havana, a city whose image is intricately linked to the numerous classic American sedans and Soviet-era Ladas that cruise its streets.

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The influx has come despite a biting economic crisis on the communist island, where the average monthly wage is US$42 and the vast majority of Cubans struggle to get from point A to B thanks to a public transport system crippled by shortages of parts and fuel.

Few can afford a car, never mind a new one.

But for private companies, authorised in Cuba only in 2021, the government in 2023 eased restrictions on the importation of foreign vehicles previously subjected to exorbitant taxes and customs duties.

A Toyota Tundra pickup truck is parked next to an old car outside a hotel in Havana. Photo: AFP
A Toyota Tundra pickup truck is parked next to an old car outside a hotel in Havana. Photo: AFP
Modern cars are driven down a street past old American cars near the National Capitol of Cuba. Photo: AFP
Modern cars are driven down a street past old American cars near the National Capitol of Cuba. Photo: AFP
“Cuba needs new cars to achieve environmental goals. It must be done now,” says 56-year-old Julio Alvarez, the owner of a tourist transport company who himself recently bought a Chinese SUV of the Dongfeng brand.
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