While the global conversation focuses on artificial intelligence and self-driving cars, a young man named Leo in Holguín is making waves with his own take on the future. Dubbed "La Perrona," this three-wheeled vehicle, crafted with what appears to be stainless steel, is reportedly faster than the latest gossip in the neighborhood.
This motorized tricycle, featuring a closed cabin and a sturdy welded metal body, has become a social media sensation. Shared by the Facebook page Soy Holguín, netizens quickly named it the "Cuban Cybertruck."
Affectionately known as "La Perrona," the vehicle serves as a collective transport option between the Vladimir I. Lenin General Hospital and the nearby town of San Andrés, close to Holguín in eastern Cuba.
According to comments on the post, it was constructed by a young man named Leo, who used his savings to build it from scratch. Not only does it provide him with a livelihood, but it also addresses the transportation needs within his community.
One supporter, Duniesky Leyva Guerrero, commended Leo's ingenuity: "A gem from a young Cuban to provide for his family. Best of luck, Leo, keep pushing forward, brother."
A Cuban Innovation Amidst a Transportation Crisis
The vehicle's comparison to Elon Musk's Cybertruck was inevitable. "The Cuban Cybertruck," remarked Camila Cartaya. Mari Caser humorously added, "That's a Cuban-Russian Cybertruck." Yuli Font went even further: "That's the great-grandfather of the Tesla."
Other users likened it to "The Beast," the United States presidential armored vehicle, the Batmobile, and even "an armored rikimbili."
Despite its appearance, passengers assert that it offers a surprisingly comfortable and speedy ride. "It's one of the most comfortable and fast vehicles around," claimed Elianet Velázquez.
Yami Vela Cruz shared that the journey from Lenin Hospital to San Andrés took just 16 minutes, while Adrián Cano completed it in 23. "If you want to ride low and fast, hop on. San Andrés in 23 minutes, and that's with the bad roads," she noted.
Amalia Isa Rodríguez, who is familiar with the vehicle, warned that it's not for everyone to drive. "Only he drives it; you need a lot of skill to handle it, or you'll end up in a ditch. But I guarantee it's very comfortable."
Resourcefulness in the Face of Adversity
Not all feedback was positive. Alberto Quesada was blunt: "There's nothing innovative here; it's a result of the poverty and need we Cubans face. While the world advances in technology, Cuba regresses to primitive times."
Gimel González pointed to the root of the issue: "If not for the tragedy that befell us on January 1, 1959, Cuba would be one of the world's best countries. Just look at how Cubans thrive when they leave Cuba."
The "Cuban Cybertruck" in Holguín is not an isolated case. Cuba is undergoing its worst transportation crisis in recent memory. Public transit only meets 42% of its goals, and bus production has plummeted from 473 units in 2019 to a projected 12 this year, a staggering 97.5% decrease, according to economist Pedro Monreal.
In February, all urban bus routes in Havana were halted due to fuel shortages.
Faced with this gap, Cubans have responded with creativity. In Matanzas, the "electric polaquito" with a 2,000-watt motor emerged; in Mayabeque, a mechanic adapted a 1980 Polish car to run on charcoal, a story that reached Reuters; and in Villa Clara, a solar bus was introduced as a mobile charging station.
Since the legalization of over 40,000 homemade vehicles in rural Cuba by Resolution 200 in 2021, these inventive solutions have flourished.
Marianela Treche Cruz captured the sentiments of many: "It's well-made with love to fight and make decisions to solve the transportation problem for the people who suffer and have no means to move."
Understanding the Cuban Transportation Endeavors
What is "La Perrona" in Holguín?
"La Perrona" is a homemade, three-wheeled vehicle in Holguín, Cuba, designed by a young man named Leo. It serves as a collective transport solution in the area and has gained popularity on social media as the "Cuban Cybertruck."
Why is there a transportation crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe transportation crisis due to a significant reduction in public transit capabilities and bus production, exacerbated by fuel shortages and economic challenges.
How are Cubans addressing transportation issues?
In response to transportation challenges, Cubans have turned to ingenuity, creating homemade vehicles like the "electric polaquito" and adapting old cars to run on alternative fuels.