Mitsubishi eyes Philippines as ASEAN hub for Mirage, L300

TOKYO, Japan – Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is looking at transforming the Philippines as a manufacturing hub for small passenger car Mirage model and the next generation L300 commercial vehicles as part of its strategy in  Southeast Asia.

MMC chairman Osamu Masuko told journalists the company through Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) is set to assemble and eventually export Mirage cars and L300 vehicles from its plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“It would be good if we can export from Philippines. Partially, I think it’s being exported partially, we want to officialy be able to export from Philippines.After Mirage will be next-gen L300 and Adventure,” he said.

Masuko explained the hub in the Philippines would complement the production hubs for pick up trucks in Thailand as well as multi purpose vehicles in Indonesia.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is a huge market for motor vehicles. The Philippines with a population of over 100 million is a very important market with highly-skilled amd English speaking workforce.

He pointed out MMPC has decided to pump in P4.3 billion worth of additional investments into the Philippines with the launch of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program.

The additional investments, he said, would double the capacity of its assembly plant in Laguna to 100,000 units from the current level of 50,000 units. The investments would also cover a P2 billion stampling plant for Mirage models to be compeleted next year.

“MMPC plant’s annual production capacity is 50,000 units, but with incremental investment, it can be expanded up to 100,000 units,” he said.

He added MMC would continue to work closely with the administration of President elect Rodrigo Duterte.

“The Philippines will see a change of government in July, but our commitment to the country remains the same. By keeping good communication with the new administration, we are determined to continue contributing to the growth of the Philippines through further development of the auto industry, increased production, and job creation,” Masuko said.

Through its participation in the CARS program, MMPC would generate additional 700 workers another 1,000 for Tier 1 suppliers and as many as 4,000 jobs for Tier 2 and 3 suppliers.

Meanwhile, MMPC president and CEO Yashiaki Kato said the investigation on the alleged sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) incidents involving the Mitsubishi Montero being undertaken by third party UK-based Horiba Mira tapped by MMC is expected to be completed by the end of July.