Mitsubishi to produce HEVs in PH

MANILA: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) could the first automotive marque to enable the Philippines to produce and export hybrid electric vehicles (HEV).

The Japanese automaker announced the plan after the parent company announced its intention to join the Philippine government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) following the recent meeting of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and MMC Chief Executive Officer Takao Kato.

Per Mitsubishi, the local manufacturing of HEV units will commence in about two years from now.

To prepare the Santa Rosa manufacturing facility, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is also looking at enhancements that will support electrification. The initiative will bolster the local supply chain and create more employment opportunities in the region.

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“The Philippines has long been one of our most important markets, where we have engaged in production and sales for many years. In cooperation with the Philippine government, we are honored to contribute to the advancement of vehicle electrification and industrial development through the EVIS program, as well as to support the further growth of the Philippine economy,” Kato was quoted as saying.

On the other hand, Finance Secretary Frederick Go noted Mitsubishi’s investment could result in the country exporting hybrid vehicles in neighboring countries while fast-tracking the localization of advanced hybrid vehicle production — supporting the Philippines’ goals for cleaner transport and higher-value manufacturing.

Further, this could eventually lead to the country becoming less dependent on oil imports. This is also aligned with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

The Board of Investments is currently finalizing the Electric Vehicle Incentives Strategy (EVIS) program for endorsement to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) and for the President’s approval.

Currently, MMC has invested P1.64 billion in the country via MMPC. The company has a 214,000-square-meter facility (which makes the Mirage, Mirage G4, and L300) can manufacture 50,000 units per year.

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