Just 50 cars and 4 bikes sold in 6 months – This is Cuba

Some months ago, Cuba government eased the restrictions on buying car and motorcycles. Before this, car could have been purchased by only a few like doctors, teachers, etc brining foreign currency. Now, any body can purchase a car from dealers (these dealerships are government run) but the prices of cars are so ridiculously high that during the last six months, only 50 cars could be sold from a total of 11 dealerships. The total money received on account of these sales was around $1.3 million.

Peugeot family car that is being sold in UK for $53,000 is priced at $262,000 in Cuba. Similarly, you need to pay $42,000 for Kia Rio in Cuba while same car can be yours for just $13,600 in USA.

These dealerships are also engaged in selling used cars but even their prices are sky high. These are generally used as taxi and then sold to general public and command prices that are too much considering their conditions.

Before January, islanders who wanted to purchase a vehicle had to acquire a "letter" of permission. The privilege was granted to the likes of diplomats, technicians, doctors and others who served on foreign missions and returned with hard currency saved up overseas.