Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) is preparing to submit a P7-billion investment proposal to produce hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) locally, with the company’s chairman saying the Philippines could eventually export the units made under the plan to other markets.
MMPC chairman Noriaki Hirakata disclosed the investment at a roundtable with reporters on Monday, confirming the automaker’s participation in the government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), the P60-billion stimulus program created under Executive Order 121. EVIS offers up to P15 billion in fiscal incentives per enrolled model, in the form of tax payment certificates, to companies that invest at least P5 billion in local EV production.
The investment would fund hybrid vehicle assembly, plus battery and component production, at MMPC’s existing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, which is the same facility that currently builds the Mirage G4 and L300. Pilot production is targeted for the third quarter of 2027, with full commercial output expected by mid-2028. The plant’s annual capacity, now around 50,000 units and running at 80 to 90 percent utilization, would increase to 70,000 units, adding an estimated 300 to 500 engineering jobs.
MMPC has not named the hybrid model it plans to build, and the EVIS implementing rules are still being finalized. Asked how many units the company intends to produce, Hirakata said “as many as possible,” depending on market demand. “If the demand is stronger than we expected, we need to invest more,” he added.
Export potential is central to the pitch. “There is no limitation. As long as there is a safety and emission regulation permit, we can export made-in-the-Philippines [units] anywhere,” Hirakata told reporters, naming Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America as possible destinations. If it proceeds, this would mark the first time Mitsubishi has used the Philippines as an export base.
The Philippines is Mitsubishi Motors Corp.’s largest market outside Japan and one of the company’s three priority markets globally, alongside Japan and Vietnam. MMPC posted an 18.72% market share in 2025, ranking second behind Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., according to Inquirer.net.
More recent joint data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association placed the company’s share at 17.76%, based on year-to-date sales of 36,321 vehicles. MMPC is targeting 20% market share by the end of 2026, with a medium-term goal of 25%.
“MMPC has always taken a long-term view of the Philippines,” Hirakata said. “We see significant opportunities to strengthen local manufacturing, introduce new technologies, and help shape the next chapter of the country’s automotive industry.”
Hirakata said the company’s plans extend beyond manufacturing. “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,” he said, adding that MMPC would continue investing in its workforce and local supplier partnerships.
MMPC has yet to formally announce the specific hybrid model or confirm final terms of its EVIS enrollment, both of which are expected as the program’s implementing rules are completed.
