New HEV model will expand Mitsubishi Motors PH production portfolio

The recent signing of the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) under Executive Order No. 21 is opening a whole host of possibilities for the local automotive industry, particularly manufacturing. One company that will be taking advantage of it is Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC).

One of three Japanese automakers that manufacture vehicles in the Philippines, MMPC recently praised the signing of the new government program, and reaffirmed its commitment to the local production of a new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) model.

One other bit of news is that the company will be expanding its local manufacturing with the said new HEV model. While the identity of the new model has not yet been disclosed, rumored to be the next-generation of the very popular Xpander MPV, this could mean that it will be produced alongside the Mirage and Mirage G4, and L300 which are produced at the MMPC plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

MMPC’s manufacturing facility in Laguna has been in operation since 2015 and has an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles. It used to house production of the Mitsubishi Adventure until its discontinuation in 2017, and has been producing the Mirage and Mirage G4 since 2016, and the L300 since 2015, only with a brief pause for this model from 2017 to 2019.

“MMPC has always taken a long-term view of the Philippines. We see significant opportunities to strengthen local manufacturing, introduce new technologies, and help shape the next chapter of the country’s automotive industry,” said MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata. “Hybrid electric vehicles represent a practical next step for the Philippine market. By expanding our local manufacturing portfolio, we are broadening mobility choices for our customers while supporting the country’s ambition to strengthen its automotive manufacturing capabilities.”