Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has consistently shown its commitment to further expanding its presence in the local market. A testament to this is the car brand’s investments that are meant to strengthen local automotive manufacturing and support the continued growth of the Philippine automotive industry.
Among MMPC’s show of confidence in the Philippine automotive market is its P7 billion investment, which is meant to locally produce hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in the country. Mitsubishi has also been consistent in showing its support for the Philippine government’s electric vehicle (EV) push through the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program.
The car brand noted that these initiatives reflect Mitsubishi Motors’ long-term business direction, which identifies ASEAN as a core growth region and the Philippines as one of the company’s priority markets.
“MMPC has always taken a long-term view of the Philippines. We see significant opportunities to strengthen local manufacturing, introduce new technologies, and help shape the next chapter of the country’s automotive industry,” said MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata.
MMPC’s planned participation in the EVIS program marks an important step in expanding its local manufacturing portfolio through the addition of HEV production. The Japanese automaker believes that this will allow MMPC to broaden mobility choices for consumers while at the same time contributing to the growth of Philippine automotive manufacturing.
“Hybrid electric vehicles represent a practical next step for the Philippine market. By expanding our local manufacturing portfolio, we are broadening mobility choices for our customers while supporting the country’s ambition to strengthen its automotive manufacturing capabilities,” Hirakata said.
Hirakata added that Mitsubishi intends to help position the Philippines to be a market that is more competitive and innovative.
“Our ambition extends beyond manufacturing vehicles. We want to help position the Philippines for the future by contributing to a more competitive, innovative, and resilient automotive industry. We believe that is the enduring contribution MMPC can make to the country,” Hirakata shared.
Meanwhile, MMPC President Ritsu Imaeda previously said that Mitsubishi saw big potential for the Philippine market, which is why it has decided to have a dedicated HEV production line at its Santa Rosa plant in Laguna. Imaeda said this during the ASEAN Business Exchange panel last May 2026.
“We felt big potential in this market for the further growth of the automotive [market]. It has not expanded yet compared to other countries, [but] we still strongly feel the potential,” said MMPC President Ritsu Imaeda.
Autocar’s Take
Mitsubishi Philippines has been continuously expressing its support and commitment to helping the Philippine government’s efforts in pushing electrified vehicles. This shows that Mitsubishi PH is really keen to be among the car brands included in the EVIS program, which is in line with its P7 billion investment to have a dedicated HEV production line at its Santa Rosa plant in Laguna. The EVIS program will provide fiscal support for the manufacture of hybrid and battery EVs, specifically passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In detail, it includes battery EVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles, including parts and components.
