Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has confirmed its plans to produce a new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) model at its Santa Rosa, Laguna assembly plant by mid-2028.
This as the Japanese carmaker announced its intention to participate in the Philippine government’s electric vehicle promotion program, the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS). This was communicated in a meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Takao Kato, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors.
Subject to the approval of Mitsubishi Motors’ application to join EVIS, MMPC will produce the yet-unnamed HEV model in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, joining the L300 and the Mirage G4. If approved, this makes MMPC the first carmaker to locally produce an HEV model, beating industry leader, Toyota.
In line with the start of production of the new HEV model, MMPC is planning additional investments, including enhancements to its facilities to support electrification. These initiatives will contribute to expanding the local supply chain and generating employment opportunities in the region.
During the meeting, Kato-san said, “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.”
It’s probably no exaggeration to say that the Philippines is what keeps Mitsubishi Motors a viable automaker. That’s how vital the Philippine market is to them. It’s a good thing Mitsubishi Motors sees that and made sure to show its appreciation.
ReplyDeleteYeah. Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam are singlehandedly keeping Mitsubishi Motors alive. I wonder what makes their vehicles so appealing to Southeast Asians.
DeleteYeah, Mitsubishi is basically dead in the US
DeleteL300 lang naman best selling vehicle nila na pwede for passenger or cargo na 4 wheels.
DeleteUS is the 4th top market of Mitsubishi based on number of units sold for the last 3 years. PH came in 5th. Thailand, Japan and Indonesia came in 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Just pointing out.
DeleteCorrect me if I'm wrong, Mitsubishi would be the 2nd car manufacturer in the Philippines to build electrified vehicles locally after Foton. I wonder if TMP is planning to produce electrified vehicles locally also. The Tamaraw's IMV-0 platform is supposedly ready for electrification (BEV or HEV).
ReplyDeletePerhaps when the Tamaraw Wil be receiving its hybrid treatment; but I don't see it coming withthe diesel engine. A hybridized diesel would make no sense if priced too steep.
DeleteMitsubishi PH needs to produce something other than the Mirage G4 locally. Sedan sales locally are sadly dying based on 2025 sales figures. Mitsubishi's local manufacturing division in the PH would not last long if they are not building cars that people buy (crossovers and MPVs are now the new sedan)
ReplyDeleteNice.
ReplyDeleteHybrid parin? Baka magkano na gas sa 2028 :(
ReplyDeleteFoton does not make electrified vehicles locally?
ReplyDeleteAFAIK, they assemble the diesel trucks (not all).
DeleteKelangan natin suportahan mga locally-made cars vs galing China. Sana maganda itong hybrid ng Mitsubishi. Cant wait!
ReplyDeleteMitsubishi should build a hybrid version of the Xpander with an optional PHEV module.
ReplyDeleteBring back the Eclipse!
ReplyDeletetechnically name wise its back, but not the sportscar.....hehehe. Mitsubishi sells a crossover in the west called Eclipse Cross
DeleteXpander and Xpander HEV to be built locally. I wonder if they will wait for the next generation or if they will produce the current gen model.
ReplyDelete