Quick Read
- Mitsubishi Motors will begin local production of hybrid electric vehicles in the Philippines by mid-2028.
- The project will be housed at the company’s existing Santa Rosa, Laguna facility, which currently produces 50,000 units annually.
- The initiative is part of the Philippine government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) to reduce fuel dependence and boost high-value manufacturing.
MANILA (Azat TV) – Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) has officially committed to establishing a dedicated production line for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in the Philippines, marking a significant shift in the nation’s automotive manufacturing landscape. The announcement follows a high-level courtesy call and strategy meeting on April 6, 2026, between Mitsubishi Motors Corp. President and CEO Takao Kato and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Expanding Local Manufacturing via EVIS Program
The new production initiative will be integrated into the Philippines’ Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program. According to the Department of Finance, MMPC plans to leverage its existing manufacturing facility in Santa Rosa, Laguna, to roll out the first locally produced hybrid models by mid-2028. The Santa Rosa plant, which currently maintains an annual production capacity of approximately 50,000 units including the Mirage and L300 models, will undergo significant facility upgrades to accommodate the assembly of advanced hybrid powertrains.
Strategic Stakes for the Philippine Automotive Sector
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go described the project as a landmark investment that could fundamentally redefine the country’s industrial profile. By localizing the production of high-value automotive technology, the government aims to reduce dependence on fuel imports and lower urban emissions. Industry analysts suggest that this move positions the Philippines to potentially emerge as a regional exporter of hybrid vehicles, a critical step in competing with established automotive hubs in Southeast Asia.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The commitment is expected to strengthen the local supply chain and create new employment opportunities within the region. President Marcos emphasized that the investment reflects strong investor confidence in the Philippine economy, noting that domestic production is designed to lower costs for local drivers and expand transport options. While the project remains subject to final regulatory approvals, the collaboration signals a long-term shift toward green transport integration, moving beyond simple vehicle assembly toward the development of more complex, sustainable technologies.
The strategic move by Mitsubishi underscores the effectiveness of targeted government incentives in reversing the trend of automotive manufacturing migration, signaling that the Philippines is successfully leveraging its EVIS framework to secure high-value industrial investments that were previously lost to neighboring regional competitors.