Mitsubishi Motors Corporation said it intends to participate in the Philippine government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy, with local hybrid production in Laguna being planned if its application is approved.

The announcement came on April 6 during a meeting in Malacañang between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Mitsubishi Motors chief executive officer, Takao Kato. According to the company, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation plans to begin producing a new hybrid electric vehicle model at its Santa Rosa City plant around the middle of calendar year 2028, subject to EVIS approval.

MMPC said the move will be backed by additional investment, including facility upgrades needed to support electrification. The company also said these investments are expected to help expand the local supply chain and create jobs in the region.

Kato said, “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”.

The Santa Rosa plant remains a key part of Mitsubishi’s Philippine operations. As of March 31, 2026, MMPC lists production capacity at 50,000 units a year and currently builds the Mirage, Mirage G4, and L300 locally. Its models sold in the country include the Xforce, Xpander, Xpander Cross, Destinator, Montero Sport, Triton, and Versa Van.

Mitsubishi has not yet named the HEV model being lined up for local assembly. In Southeast Asia, the company already builds the Xpander HEV, Xpander Cross HEV, and the X-Force HEV in its regional portfolio. What is clear, however, is that the company is positioning its Philippine operations for an electrified future, with EVIS serving as the framework for that next step.