Mitsubishi to Assemble First Hybrid EV in Philippines by 2028

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines announced plans to produce the country’s first locally assembled hybrid electric vehicle at its Santa Rosa, Laguna plant, targeting mid‑2028. The project, estimated at about US$116 million, would raise the plant’s capacity by roughly 20 percent to around 50‑60 000 units annually and is tied to the government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act.

The announcement was made to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, indicating strong governmental support. Mitsubishi’s focus on a hybrid model reflects Filipino consumer preferences, with hybrids accounting for nearly 80 % of EV sales in early 2026, and aims to create jobs, develop local suppliers, and position the Philippines as a production base rather than merely an importer of electric vehicles.