Nelson Morales

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Mitsubishi to make hybrid cars in PH — DOF

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – The Philippines is set to begin manufacturing hybrid vehicles in a landmark deal with Mitsubishi Motors as the country seeks to transform itself into a regional hub for green automotive technology, the Department of Finance said on Monday.Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) plans to establish a dedicated hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) production line at its existing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, the DOF said. The agency said the move was confirmed by MMC President and CEO Takao Kato during a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the presidential palace.Finance Secretary Frederick Go hailed the project as a turning point for the domestic economy, noting that the facility may eventually serve international markets.“This is a landmark investment that will redefine the future of our automotive industry. And the even more exciting possibility is that we could be an exporter of hybrid cars,” Go said.The shift toward HEVs aligns with the country’s Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), aimed at reducing dependence on imported oil and cutting urban emissions. Manila is currently finalizing a suite of fiscal incentives to attract further investment in the sector as battery costs fall and renewable energy capacity grows.Authorities emphasized that the localization of advanced manufacturing would create jobs and insulate the economy from global uncertainty. Beyond domestic sales, MMC is exploring the feasibility of exporting Laguna-made vehicles to the rest of the region.The Board of Investments is expected to submit a final package of industry incentives for presidential approval shortly to reinforce the country’s competitive edge.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp plans to establish a dedicated hybrid electric vehicle production line at its existing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, the DOF said.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp plans to establish a dedicated hybrid electric vehicle production line at its existing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, the DOF said.