Mitsubishi Xpander and Nissan Livina twins may see local production in PH

Well here’s some good and very interesting news for the local automotive manufacturing industry. The very popular Mitsubishi Xpander, as well as its Nissan Livina twin, both currently sourced from Indonesia, may see local production in the Philippines.

According to a report by Indonesian motoring publication, otodriver.com, there are currently rumors that the Mitsubishi Xpander as well as the Nissan Livina may have the chance to see production in the Philippines in the future.

The publication says that their ‘secret source’ has told them that the move would be a compensation. PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI) for some time has sourced units of the L300 from the Philippines but has since shifted production of the said model back to their own manufacturing plant. With that, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has requested for compensation by producing the Mitsubishi Xpander and Nissan Livina compact 7-seater MPVs.

Right now, both models, including the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross are sourced from the MMKI manufacturing plant in Cikarang, West Java, Indonesia. They are then imported into the Philippines as completely built up (CBU) units.

If the reports are true and local production of the two models would push through, not only would this help boost the local automotive manufacturing industry, but would also help answer local demand for the two models. In addition, it would also answer the calls of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines for MMPC to produce the Xpander here. 

Currently, MMPC builds the Mitsubishi Mirage and its sedan counterpart, the Mirage G4; as well as the L300 utility vehicle in its Sta. Rosa, Laguna plant. Throughout the years, the Japanese automaker has invested heavily in local vehicle production.