Cuba and Russia agree to assemble UAZ vehicles on the island

The first delivery of vehicles will range between 300 and 500 units, according to official sources.

Miguel Ángel Pedroso Madin, Business Director of the Comprehensive Automotive Services Company (EISA) of Cubaexplained to Sputnik that this project seeks to strengthen bilateral economic relations and modernize Cuba’s transportation infrastructure.

The agreement initially includes the Patriot and Pickup models, and in a second stage Profi brand light cargo vehicles will be assembled. The objective is to substitute imports, improve transportation in Cuba and take advantage of the adaptability of these vehicles for various economic sectors.

Pedroso Madin also detailed that the Pickup models will be transformed into hearses, responding to one of the greatest needs of the transportation sector on the island. In addition, UAZ, with a 20-year presence in Cuba, will offer after-sales and warranty services to ensure sustainability and prolong the useful life of automobiles, through the periodic supply of Russian parts and pieces, according to Ruslán Ignátev, technical director and vice representative. of ECHO-Export SRL.

Although an exact date for the delivery of these vehicles was not mentioned, the agreement will be maintained in accordance with needs and demand, strengthening bilateral ties of collaboration, which are currently positive.

Cuba, which already uses the UAZ 452 models, known as “Guasabita”, in the military and health fields, knows well the robustness of these vehicles. A year ago, UAZ promised to assemble SKD model cars on the island following agreements at the 11th Meeting of the Business Committee between Cuba and Russia, held in Havana, according to what the company reported to the Russian newspaper Izvestia.

The first batch of vehicles was to be delivered to Cuba in July-August 2023, according to UAZ executives, after negotiations between representatives of the Ulyanovsk automotive plant and unidentified Cuban companies. However, this agreement did not prosper.

In addition, it was reported that Cuba showed interest in UAZ Profi trucks and ambulances based on the UAZ Loaf model, a panel vehicle used in the military area.