In a gesture that combines personal generosity with strategic advertising, Cuban actor Alejandro Cuervo gifted his wife, dentist Arletis Rodríguez, a white electric car adorned with a striking red bow. This move appears to serve both as a heartfelt present and a promotional act for MCV Comercial S.A., the official representative of Mercedes-Benz in Cuba.
A video shared by Cuervo captures the moment Arletis discovers the car, her elation evident as she embraces and kisses her husband. The footage also shows her first time behind the wheel and the signing of necessary documents. "Major decisions are made with the heart but also with the confidence of being in good hands. I love you, my queen. With you, everything has been possible. This wasn't a coincidence because with MCV Comercial S.A. you find transparency, support, and real guarantees. Each delivery is more than a purchase; it's the certainty of choosing the best," Cuervo expressed on Instagram, clearly highlighting the company’s services.
From the images, the car seems to be a FAW Bestune NAT E5, an electric vehicle of Chinese origin distributed in Cuba by MCV Comercial S.A. This model offers a range of 315 kilometers per charge, operates solely on electricity, and is priced at $20,280, according to the company's 2025 catalog.
Luxury Cars in Crisis-Stricken Cuba
The post is part of a broader marketing campaign by MCV Comercial S.A., which has also enlisted Cuban artists and content creators like Haila María Mompié, actor Carlos Luis González, and stylist Dorian Carbonell, among others.
These luxury car promotions are set against a backdrop of economic hardship for most Cubans. Earlier this year, MCV Comercial S.A. released a pricing catalog with Mercedes-Benz vehicles ranging from $51,000 to over $191,000. Prices for Chinese-origin models like FAW, DFSK, Skywell, or Foton span from $16,000 to $46,000.
Meanwhile, Cuba is grappling with one of the most severe crises in its recent history, marked by frequent power outages, rampant inflation, widespread shortages of food and medicine, and a crippled public transportation system.
The promotion of cars with sky-high prices unattainable for the average citizen has sparked criticism on social media, with many users perceiving these campaigns as disconnected from the everyday realities of most Cubans, who face scarcity and uncertainty daily.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Disparities and Luxury Car Market
Why did Alejandro Cuervo gift an electric car to his wife?
Alejandro Cuervo presented the electric car to his wife, Arletis Rodríguez, as a personal gift, which also served as a promotional act for MCV Comercial S.A., the official representative of Mercedes-Benz in Cuba.
What is the significance of MCV Comercial S.A.'s car promotions in Cuba?
MCV Comercial S.A.'s promotions highlight luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz and Chinese models, but they occur amidst a severe economic crisis in Cuba, creating a stark contrast with the daily struggles of most citizens.
How are Cuban citizens reacting to the luxury car promotions?
Many Cubans have criticized the luxury car promotions on social media, viewing them as disconnected from the harsh economic realities faced by the majority of the population.