Amid the severe energy and transportation crisis gripping Cuba, Moscow is doubling down on its efforts to strengthen its industrial foothold on the island.
This time, the announcement comes from the Cuban Embassy in Russia, sharing a report from the state agency TASS regarding plans by the UAZ factory—renowned for its off-road vehicles—to expand vehicle production in Cuba by 2026.
Though no specific figures have been disclosed about the scale of the increase, the statement confirms that “nearly all organizational issues with local partners have been resolved,” paving the way for increased production this year.
According to TASS, referencing sources from the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, “several dozen units have been produced” since assembly began in Cuba.
The company anticipates a "significant increase" in production volumes in Cuba this year from that starting point.
The report highlights that logistical and organizational hurdles between Russian and Cuban partners have largely been overcome, ushering in a new phase for this bilateral auto assembly project.
The assembly of UAZ vehicles in Cuba officially began in April 2025, marked by an official visit from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Chernyshenko, who took part in the launch ceremony for the first locally produced off-road vehicle.
Historical Framework: A Project in Motion Since 2024
While the latest announcement lacks precise figures, the background of the program offers insight into the ongoing bilateral effort.
In 2024, the Cuban government signed a deal with Russian company ECHO-Export SRL to assemble and repair UAZ vehicles at a plant on the island.
The project was unveiled during the Cubaindustria 2024 fair, part of a series of agreements to bolster economic ties between the two nations.
In December of that year, Russia delivered a batch of 16 UAZ vehicles “specially equipped for tropical climates” following the hurricanes Oscar and Rafael. These vehicles served as a technical introduction to the project, paving the way for the installation of an assembly line in Cuba.
The first locally assembled batch was delivered “to the customer” in July 2025, as reported by the Russian embassy at the time.
While the recipient was not specified, it was confirmed to be the UAZ Patriot model, assembled from kits imported from Russia. The launch of the UAZ Pickup model was also announced at that time.
It was during this period that a potential production capacity of 500 vehicles per year was first mentioned for the assembly line. However, this figure is part of a previous projection and is not included in the new TASS statement, which only mentions an increase in scale without specific numbers.
What Vehicles and Their Intended Uses
Currently assembled models include the UAZ Patriot and Pickup, both known for their robust traction and historical presence in Cuba since the Soviet era.
Additionally, parties involved have expressed intentions to incorporate the UAZ Profi (a light cargo model) and specialized versions for ambulances, hearses, or other state uses in the future.
"The goal is to replace imports, directly enhance transportation in Cuba, and leverage the adaptability of these vehicles for any economic sector," stated Miguel Ángel Pedroso Madin, business director of the Cuban state-owned EISA, responsible for assembly alongside Russian partners, in 2024.
Russian entrepreneur Serguei Dorokhov told the official Cuban press in 2025, “We see Cuba as a very interesting market, as there is a lot of interest here in off-road and commercial vehicles that can be utilized in the Cuban economy.”
Beyond assembly, the project includes warranty and after-sales services, with regular supplies of Russian parts and components to ensure the operational status of the automotive fleet, explained Ruslán Ignátev, technical director of ECHO-Export SRL.
Reviving Old Brands in a New Context
This isn't the first attempt by a Russian brand to re-enter the Cuban automotive market.
In 2024, 50 Moskvich vehicles arrived on the island, designated for use as taxis in Havana. Although an experimental batch, it reinforced the symbolic and commercial presence of the Russian automotive industry in Cuba.
Both the UAZ and Moskvich initiatives occur in a country with a crumbling road and energy infrastructure and a critically failing public transportation system. Therefore, the Russian venture seeks to blend geopolitical interest, technological transfer, and strategic positioning in an island historically reliant on vehicle imports.
2026: High Hopes Without Clear Figures
While the headline might sound ambitious, the latest statement lacks specifics on how many vehicles will be produced in 2026. The key phrases are “significant increase” and “resolution of organizational issues,” suggesting a genuine boost in assembly lines but without published numerical commitments.
In the Cuban context, where official figures are often shrouded in opacity and rhetoric, this nuance is significant.
The Russian automotive project is progressing, but the concrete impact remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia's Vehicle Production in Cuba
What are the key goals of the UAZ vehicle assembly project in Cuba?
The main objectives are to replace imports, improve transportation on the island, and utilize the vehicles' adaptability across various economic sectors.
Which models are currently being assembled in Cuba?
The models currently assembled are the UAZ Patriot and Pickup, with plans to introduce the UAZ Profi and specialized versions for state use in the future.
When did the UAZ vehicle assembly project in Cuba officially begin?
The project officially commenced in April 2025 with the launch of the first locally produced off-road vehicle.