Mitsubishi Motors Philippines to expand local hybrid production

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is expanding its local manufacturing operations through a PHP7-billion investment and a strategic focus on hybrid electric vehicle production. The company plans to participate in the government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) to bolster the competitiveness of the Philippine automotive industry and strengthen the local automotive ecosystem.

MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata indicated that the company will soon unveil a new global flagship plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the Philippines. While the specific model was not named, the vehicle is expected to feature capabilities such as serving as an emergency power source during blackouts and handling water depths of 30 to 40 centimeters.

Mitsubishi’s current strategy prioritizes hybrid technology over pure battery-electric vehicles (EVs), citing lower consumer acceptance of pure EVs compared to previous industry expectations. The company aims to broaden mobility choices by introducing hybrids as a practical next step for the Philippine market.