Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) is preparing to position its Sta. Rosa facility in Laguna as a potential export hub for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). This strategic move comes as part of the company's broader commitment to the Philippines.
Expansion Plans and Production Timeline
During a recent briefing, MMPC Chairman Noriaki Hirakata expressed the company's dedication to expanding operations in the Philippines, stating, 'We’d like to commit to this nation for a long time.' The company is investing ₱7 billion to establish a new production facility for HEVs.
We see significant opportunities to strengthen local manufacturing, introduce new technologies, and help shape the next chapter of the country’s automotive industry.
Noriaki Hirakata, MMPC Chairman
- Pilot production set to begin by mid-2027.
- Full-scale production expected in 2028.
- Target markets include Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
In addition to vehicle assembly, the Laguna plant will also produce batteries for HEVs intended for the local market. Hirakata noted improvements in product quality, making the Philippines competitive in the global market.
MMPC's involvement in the government's Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) aligns with its goal of achieving a 20% market share in the Philippines this year, with aspirations to increase that to 25% in the near future.
Currently, MMPC ranks third in vehicle sales nationwide, despite facing a 67% decline in annual sales with only 3,641 units sold in the first half of 2026. The plant's existing capacity stands at 50,000 units annually, primarily producing the Mirage and L300 models.
Hirakata anticipates a sales growth of 5% to 6% for 2026, indicating a cautiously optimistic outlook for the automotive sector amidst challenging market conditions.