Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
At a press conference entitled “Enhancing Car Manufacturing Operations in the Philippines”, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) CEO Osamu Masuko announced that Mitsubishi Motor Philippines is interested to take part in the government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program. If approved, its expected that in early 2017, Mitsubishi’s Santa Rosa plant will start producing the Mirage G4 and hatchback. Principals from their parts suppliers were also present at the presscon including Chairman Katoh of DENSO and President Yazaki of Yazaki Corp., signifying their intention of increasing their presence in the country.
In his speech, Masuko said, Mitsubishi Motors Coporation has been engaged in production and sales in the Philippines for over 50 years” and “ The Philipines is one of the most important markets for us. It is indeed a great pleasure for Mitsubishi Motors to be able to contribute to the automotive industry of the Philippines facing a new development phase and also further make contribution to the economic growth of the Philippines even in the slightest terms.”
MMC has commited to invest PhP4.3B (approximately 10.4B JPY) which includes a new stamping plant for the first phase. Their target is to produce 25-30,000 units initially, and as soon as they are able to get two daily production shifts going, the Sta. Rosa facility is expected to increase output to 100,000 units. These units will be for both the local market and for export to other markets in the ASEAN region.
“It is my strong belief that the automotive industry with its very broad base can make a big contribution in the economic development of the Philippines.” said Masuko.
Words and photo by Neil Pagulayan