Florida company gets OK to ship electric cars to Cuba

Florida company gets OK to ship electric cars to Cuba
BY MELANIE ZANONA - 01/25/17 05:55 PM EST 9

A Miami-based auto company has received the green light to ship
American-made electric cars to Cuba, following an effort by former
President Obama to restore diplomatic relations with the island nation.

Premier Automotive Export, which is a subsidiary of an auto dealer
headquartered in Cayman Islands, received a four-year license this month
from the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security to ship electrified
vehicles and charging stations to Cuba, according to the U.S.-Cuba Trade
and Economic Council.

The cars can't be sold to any Cuban government-operated entities, but
can be sent to embassies, private enterprises and U.S. businesses on the
island.

Cuba has still not authorized American companies to directly export
products to non-Cuban government-operated entities, even though the U.S.
has, the council noted.

Meanwhile, it's unclear whether President Trump, who threatened to
reverse the opening of relations with Cuba if the communist government
doesn't adopt changes, has plans to change U.S. policy towards Cuba.

"I have to follow up with you. We've got nothing that we're ready to
announce at this point," said White House press secretary Sean Spicer
when recently pressed on the issue.

Premier Automotive Export plans to ship Nissan Leaf electric cars and
install 50 charging locations in gas stations across Havana.

Some of the American companies operating in Cuba are Delta Air Lines,
American Airlines, JetBlue and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.

"Electric vehicles will be used by the various embassies as their
official government vehicle. Premier Automotive Export is seeking a U.S.
Export License to ship 100 percent electric vehicles and charge stations
to Cuba," the company said in its application. "This new business will
not only benefit the Cuban people by reducing the country's carbon
footprint, but also by creating jobs and having a positive effect of our
economy."

The license only allows the Cayman auto dealer to ship cars through its
U.S.-based subsidiary in Florida and stipulates that ownership of the
cars cannot be transferred.

Source: Florida company gets OK to ship electric cars to Cuba | TheHill
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http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/316188-florida-company-gets-ok-to-ship-electric-cars-to-cuba