The office of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has opened discussions with Mitsubishi Motors on local hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) production, exploring a potential boost to the Philippines’ clean transport push and downstream energy demand.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the President received officials of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC), led by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation CEO Takao Kato, in a courtesy call at Malacañang Palace on Monday. The meeting centered on the company’s plan to pursue local HEV manufacturing under the government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program.

“Met with Mitsubishi Motors Philippines and global CEO Takao Kato to bring hybrid and electric vehicle production closer to home. Their continued investment reflects strong confidence in our economy. More jobs, less dependence on fuel, lower costs for drivers and more options for every Filipino,” President Marcos said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

Local HEV production could also deepen supply chains tied to energy systems, including battery components, power electronics, and related services, while reinforcing policy signals under EVIS to accelerate electrification.

The Philippines is scaling up electric vehicle adoption as part of efforts to reduce oil import dependence and strengthen energy security, backed by policy frameworks such as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act and the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry. As of March 2025, the country has 912 publicly accessible EV charging stations, still a fraction of the 7,300 stations targeted by 2028 under the national roadmap.

What does local HEV manufacturing mean for fuel demand, grid planning, and investment in EV infrastructure? Join the discussion.

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