Mitsubishi is planning to produce a new hybrid model in PH by 2028

Here’s some big news with regards to the local automotive manufacturing industry. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC), one of the few automotive brands that produce vehicles in the country, is planning to add a new model to its local production portfolio.

To be specific, the Japanese automaker wants to produce a new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) model in the MMPC manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, by the middle of 2028, subject to the approval of the company’s application to join the Philippine government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), the parent company of MMPC, expressed its intention to participate in the program during a meeting between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and MMC Chief Executive Officer Takao Kato.

The EVIS aims to accelerate the local manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and charging stations, aiming for 9-million EVs produced by 2040. The program currently focuses on Fiscal Incentives (FIS) and Production Volume Incentives (PVI) for local companies and covers all vehicle types, including electric two-wheelers, cars, and trucks.

MMPC is already planning additional investments, including enhancements to its facilities to support the production of electrified vehicles. Its plans will also contribute to expanding the local supply chain and generating employment opportunities in the region.

“The Philippines has long been one of our most important markets, where we have engaged in production and sales for many years. In cooperation with the Philippine government, we are honored to contribute to the advancement of vehicle electrification and industrial development through the EVIS program, as well as to support the further growth of the Philippine economy,” said MMC CEO Takao Kato in his meeting with President Marcos.

And like us, you’re probably curious what this new model is, and we do have a guess.

Right now, MMPC currently produces three models in its sole manufacturing plant in the country. These are the Mirage G4 subcompact sedan, its Mirage subcompact hatchback counterpart, and the L300 light commercial vehicle. 

And while the Mirage G4 and L300 enjoy a good amount of popularity, it doesn’t make sense right now for these models to get hybrid variants, or even a new generation soon. We’re guessing that MMPC may begin local production of the next-generation Xpander which is already confirmed to be in development.

READ: 2nd-gen Mitsubishi Xpander confirmed for beyond 2025

This makes a lot of sense, especially considering that the Xpander is the country’s best-selling vehicle for 2025. It has also remained consistently popular to local car buyers ever since it was first introduced in 2018. The seven-seater MPV is also available with a hybrid powertrain in Thailand, which has unfortunately not yet become available here in the Philippines.

Of course, this is not yet confirmed and your guess is as good as ours. Regardless, this is very much welcome news not only for fans of the Mitsubishi brand, but the whole local automotive industry which as we all know is far from being on par with our neighbors in the region, especially when it comes to vehicle production.

_{Photo from Mitsubishi Motors}