Posted on 01/04/2014 10:05:53 AM PST by grundle
Cubans have reacted with shock after foreign-made cars went on sale for the first time since the 1959 revolution at what some termed "crazy" prices.
The state has a monopoly on new car sales and has set massive mark-ups.
A Peugeot 508 is listed at $262,000. Peugeot's UK website puts prices from $29,000. State salaries in Cuba average about $20 a month.
Freeing up car sales is the latest in a series of reforms. A permit to buy new vehicles is now no longer required.
However, only a minority will benefit.
The BBC's Sarah Rainsford, in Havana, says the stream of people at one used-car store in Havana's upmarket Miramar district were in for a shock.
She says the most commonly uttered phrases were "this is madness" and "what a lack of respect", referring to the government.
One of those outside the dealership, Suzanne, told the BBC: "The prices are crazy. No Cuban who works for the state can buy at that price. They have zero chance of getting a car."
Another, Antonio, said: "We're speechless, it's a big surprise. I don't know what the government's strategy is. Maybe this is just a test phase. But the prices are excessive."
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
Perhaps they can sell those ‘57 Chevys at a classic car auction and get enough to buy a new Fiat.
Makes you wonder how Cubacare is even affordable?
“Perhaps they can sell those ‘57 Chevys at a classic car auction and get enough to buy a new Fiat.”
My thoughts to on all the old classic cars in Cuba.
I would hate to see Cuba turned into us. Part of the beauty of the island is the going back in time. Would just hate to see it totally commercialized with McDonalds and Walmarts. ugh
This seems quite silly, they are going to let them buy cars that no one can afford? So, what is the point?
Hey Jack! Just $10 per month for 26,200 months will put you in a Peugeot 508. Counting interest that might be closer to 100,000 months.
“I would hate to see Cuba turned into us. Part of the beauty of the island is the going back in time. Would just hate to see it totally commercialized with McDonalds and Walmarts. ugh”
The aesthetic of keeping Cuba quaint is an awfully high price to pay for the enslavement of an entire nation. Set ‘em free and let them decide for themselves.
They're also in a tremendously good strategic location, were they a close ally of the US. We've gone halfway around the world a dozen times over to save/prop up various countries, yet never made an effort to fix up a potential ally and trading partner right on our doorstep. Why?
Make sure your read the “Analysis” portion of the article. It is classic!
Have no fear, the upper bureaucrats will be driving the fancy wheels.
Sort of like a "Natural Habitat Human Wildlife Park", huh?
Like Colonial Williamsburg, but the inmates can't go home in the evening and have no weekends or vacations, right?
/s
Still waiting for Jimmy Carter (or any Democrat for that matter) to travel to Cuba for that much needed operation. Carter seems to push for Cuba’s system for the rest of us, but relies on the private American system for himself.
I guess it’s kinda charming too that Cubans have to basically live without power or running water for most of the time. Or toilet paper. Or toothbrushes. Or new clothes. Most Cubans have one shirt, if they have 2, they are in the minority.
Still waiting for Jimmy Carter (or any Democrat for that matter) to travel to Cuba for that much needed operation. Carter seems to push for Cuba’s system for the rest of us, but relies on the private American system for himself.
Oops, sorry for the doublepost.
sheesh I should’ve known better. Just said I would hate to see them with McDonalds and Walmarts on every corner and everyone piles on.
Retrograde prisons do have a certain atmosphere . . . but if you are into that sort of thing, I recommend the KGB prison in downtown Vilnius. It's a museum, now.
I thought she was being sarcastic!
You’re NOT being sarcastic! Oh, my gosh.
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