Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. (MMPC) may accelerate plans to commercially launch a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the country following government’s order eliminating tariffs on hybrids.
MMPC leads in sales in the region and is in the top five in Mitsubishi Motor Corp.’s global operations, accounting for 8 to 10 percent.
Ritsu Imaeda, MMPC president and chief executive officer, told reporters on the sidelines of the global launch of the DST concept sport utility vehicle in Pasay City last week, they have been in talks with mother company Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC) on the possible launch of its PHUV in the Philippines.
Imaeda hinted the possible commercial launch of the Outlander since it has been introduced in the country pre-COVID.
Following the issuance of Executive Order 12 in May, tariff on hybrid EVs was eliminated from 30 percent.
“Now we don’t pay any tariff, that actually changed the game plan. We can talk to headquarters now, we can request the launch of a plug-in hybrid. We appreciate government for the decision,” said Noriaki Hirakata, chairman of the board of directors of MMPC.
Hirakata said the Outlander has received good feedback in Japan, Europe, even the US.
“After the tariff adjustment from the government, we are planning to introduce plug-in hybrid. That is under study right now. We have no idea yet when. We are asking (headquarters) that (the launch will) be sooner but it’s not our call. What is available right now is the Outlander. That is also under study,” he added.
When asked about the price point of the Outlander at zero duties, the officials said they are doing a re-computation since prices have increased after COVID. When it was initially launched in the Philippines, the model was priced at about P3 million.
Hirakata said MMPC is seeking for an extension of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) and be able to enjoy full incentives for the production of its enrolled model, the Mirage and Mirage G4.
He said the company has “fulfilled pretty much” of the requirements but has yet to enjoy all the incentives.
“We hit the minimum volume of 100,001 (units). But we are asking for an extension (to meet the volume of 200,000 units). Due to COVID, we could not perform normally,” Hirakata said.
Imaeda said MMPC has not set specific targets for the Philippines in terms of sales but said all of its products are performing well, from Xpander to the Mirage.
Hitakata said the market is experiencing healthy growth. “We don’t want to lose market share.” MMPC is the second best-selling automotive brand in the Philippines with sales of 78,371 units in 2023.
