READING:
Cuba is making it easier for Cubans to buy foreign made, new and used cars. The Havana Times reports that the Council of Ministers decided "to open up the retail sale of new and used motorcycles, cars, vans and minibuses." The government will also "prioritize bicycle sales on the retail market" at very affordable prices. New laws mean the government is relaxing regulations on car ownership. Until 2011, people could not sell cars that were made after the 1959 Cuban revolution. This made Havana look like it was in a time warp. All cars were vintage models from yesteryear.
The Cuban government will control vehicle prices. It will also be the only organisation that can import foreign cars. Cubans will have to buy an imported car from the government. The Communist Party newspaper said profits from sales will improve Cuba's roads and transportation system. Car dealers are not expecting huge sales. Most people in Cuba cannot afford to buy a car. Havana resident Jorge Canso commented on this, saying: "Yeah, I can buy one, but with what? Unfortunately our economy doesn't allow us to save money to be able to buy one."
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