Mitsubishi Motors to Build HEV in Philippines From 2028

Why It Matters

The project positions the Philippines as a manufacturing hub for hybrid vehicles, accelerating domestic EV adoption and supporting economic growth through job creation and supply‑chain development.

Key Takeaways

• Mitsubishi to start HEV production in Philippines by 2028
• Facility upgrades aim to support electrification under EVIS
• Project could boost local supply chain and create jobs
• Current plant capacity 50,000 units annually
• Mitsubishi reinforces Philippines as key market for EV transition

Pulse Analysis

The Philippine government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) is reshaping the nation’s automotive landscape, offering tax breaks, reduced registration fees, and infrastructure support to spur electric mobility. By aligning with EVIS, Mitsubishi Motors signals confidence in the policy’s durability and the market’s readiness for hybrid technology. This partnership not only enhances Mitsubishi’s brand perception as an eco‑forward player but also adds momentum to the country’s broader climate goals, encouraging other OEMs to consider similar investments.

Mitsubishi’s planned facility upgrades at the Santa Rosa plant will introduce new assembly lines, battery handling equipment, and training programs for a skilled workforce. With a current capacity of 50,000 units per year, the plant can accommodate the additional HEV volume without compromising existing production of the Mirage, Mirage G4, and L300. The expansion is projected to stimulate local parts suppliers, from battery module manufacturers to electronic component firms, creating a ripple effect of job opportunities and technology transfer throughout the Laguna region.

Regionally, Mitsubishi’s move reflects a strategic shift among global automakers toward Southeast Asian production hubs for electrified vehicles. As neighboring markets like Thailand and Indonesia accelerate their EV rollouts, the Philippines gains a competitive edge by offering a cost‑effective labor pool and supportive regulatory framework. Mitsubishi’s early entry may capture market share ahead of rivals, while also providing valuable data on consumer acceptance of hybrid models, informing future fully electric launches across the Asia‑Pacific corridor.