Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is positioning the Philippines to potentially host the country’s first locally manufactured electric vehicle (EV), as global fuel volatility accelerates interest in alternative mobility solutions.
The Japanese automaker plans to produce a “new hybrid EV model” at its Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. facility in Santa Rosa, Laguna. Production is targeted to begin around mid-2028, subject to approval under the government’s planned EV production incentive program.
To prepare for the shift, Mitsubishi is upgrading its Laguna plant to support electrification and strengthen its local supply chain. The investment is also expected to generate additional jobs and deepen local automotive manufacturing.
Government Support and EV Incentives Framework
The project gained momentum after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Mitsubishi executives on April 6, together with key economic officials including Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, signaling strong government backing.
At the center of the proposal is the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), a planned fiscal package designed to attract EV manufacturers to the country. Mitsubishi is seen as one of the first major automakers expected to align with the program.
Officials said the initiative could help position the Philippines not only as a production base for EVs but also as a future exporter of hybrid vehicles.
PH enters competitive EV manufacturing race
The move comes as Southeast Asia intensifies competition in electric vehicle production, with regional players aggressively expanding their footprint.
Vietnam’s VinFast has increased its presence in the Philippines, while China’s BYD continues to dominate the local EV market following strong sales performance in 2025.
Locally, Mitsubishi remains one of the top automotive brands in the country but has yet to introduce a mass-market EV lineup, unlike competitors already active in hybrid and electrified segments.
Despite infrastructure gaps and lingering “range anxiety,” EV demand in the Philippines continues to grow. If Mitsubishi’s plan pushes through, it could mark a turning point for the country’s role in the global electric vehicle supply chain.
