Monitor this situation.

Unsubscribe anytime.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [BUSINESS]

5 clusters · 16 sources · 30 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated 29 days ago

Mitsubishi EV and hybrid expansion in SE Asia

Overview

In late July 2026, Mitsubishi Motors announced a coordinated expansion of its hybrid and electric-drive vehicle footprint in Southeast Asia, specifically targeting the Philippines and Thailand.

In the Philippines, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC) plans to assemble the country’s first locally produced hybrid electric vehicle at its Santa Rosa, Laguna plant by mid-2028. This US$116 million project aims to increase plant capacity by approximately 20% to 50,000–60,000 units annually. The move aligns with the Philippine government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), which provides up to 600 billion pesos in subsidies for domestic EV manufacturing. MMPC has pledged 70 billion pesos toward hybrid production.

By mid-August 2026, MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata noted that the company is prioritizing hybrid technology over pure battery-electric vehicles (EVs) due to lower consumer acceptance of pure EVs than previously expected. In late August, the All-New Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) officially entered the Philippine market. As the brand’s flagship electrified model, it features a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, delivers 306 horsepower, and offers a combined driving range of up to 1,000 kilometers.

Simultaneously, Mitsubishi is investing THB 16 billion (≈US$473 million) in Thailand through 2030 to transform existing facilities into a regional hub for electric-drive vehicles. Unveiled by CEO Takao Kato, the plan includes developing hybrid versions of the Triton pickup and the next-generation Pajero SUV, with local assembly expected to begin later this year. The Thai strategy emphasizes hybrid technology as a bridge to full electrification, involving cooperation with Chinese partners to advance smart-driving technology and worker training.

Entities

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation · President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. · Thailand · Takao Kato · China

Timeline

29 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Mitsubishi expands hybrid and PHEV vehicle presence in Trinidad and Tobago and the Philippines
Mitsubishi is expanding its hybrid and PHEV offerings in Trinidad and Tobago and the Philippines to meet growing demand for electrified vehicle technology.
about 1 month ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines to expand local hybrid production
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is expanding local manufacturing with a PHP7-billion investment and plans to introduce hybrid electric vehicle production and a new flagship PHEV model.
about 2 months ago

[BUSINESS] 7 sources
Mitsubishi Motors to invest $473 million in Thailand for hybrid Triton and Pajero production
Mitsubishi Motors will invest 16 billion baht in Thailand to produce hybrid Triton pickups and Pajero SUVs, aiming to make the country a hub for electric‑drive vehicles.
about 2 months ago

[BUSINESS] 3 sources
Mitsubishi invests in EV industry in Thailand and Philippines
Mitsubishi commits THB 16 bn to grow Thailand's EV sector and, under the Philippines' US 9.7 bn incentive plan, will invest 70 bn pesos in hybrid production, bolstering regional electric‑vehicle manufacturing.
about 2 months ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Mitsubishi to Assemble First Hybrid EV in Philippines by 2028
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines will build the first locally assembled hybrid EV at its Santa Rosa plant by mid‑2028, a $116 million venture that expands capacity to 50‑60 k units and aligns with the Philippines’

Sources

36kr.com · 7news.com.au · afma.org.au · astig.ph · carguide.ph · congnghe.vn · en.baoquocte.vn · gadgetsmagazine.com.ph · kienthuc.net.vn · m.soha.vn · rappler.com · tienphong.vn · ttt.live · tuoitre.vn · us.nasional.news.viva.co.id · wheels.ph

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history