Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) plans to expand production capacity at its Santa Rosa, Laguna manufacturing plant by about 20%, lifting annual output to more than 60,000 vehicles as the Japanese automaker prepares for local hybrid vehicle production.
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go disclosed the expansion during his opening remarks at the Milken Institute Asia Summit 2026 in Singapore, saying Mitsubishi has committed to investing in the Philippines under the government’s Electric Vehicle Industry Strategy program.
Go said the automaker plans to invest P7 billion in the Philippines to support hybrid and electric vehicle production. The planned expansion would add roughly 10,000 units to the plant’s existing annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles.
“I’m glad to inform you that Mitsubishi Motors has already committed to investing in the Philippines, in Laguna, and to produce hybrid, electric vehicles,” Go said.
MMPC operates a 23-hectare manufacturing complex in Santa Rosa, where it currently produces the Mitsubishi Mirage, Mirage G4 and L300. The facility includes a 3C1B automotive paint shop and a major stamping facility inaugurated in 2018 under the government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program.
The capacity increase comes as the Philippine automotive industry faces growing pressure to accelerate the shift toward electrified vehicles, while manufacturers and suppliers assess the investment required to support new technologies.
Local hybrid production could deepen the country’s automotive manufacturing base by creating additional demand for parts and components, while potentially positioning the Philippines to capture more investment linked to electrified vehicle supply chains.
However, key details remain unclear. Go did not disclose when the expansion will be completed, what hybrid models are planned for local assembly, or whether additional investment beyond the announced P7 billion will be required.
The move would mark a significant step for Mitsubishi in expanding its Philippine manufacturing footprint while aligning production with the country’s push toward vehicle electrification.
