Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
February 27, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte formally launched the Philippine manufactured Mitsubishi Mirage G4 for the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program in a ceremony held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace.
The Mirage G4 is the first vehicle manufactured locally under the CARS Program, symbolizing the take off of the country’s auto manufacturing industry. It also signifies the commencement of the local production of the Mirage G4 and Mirage hatchback in the 21-hectare plant of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
In his message, President Duterte expressed his deep gratitude to the Philippines’ partners in Japan for their investment in the country and trust in the Filipinos. He said that the launching ceremony marks another milestone for the local auto manufacturing industry and showcases the Philippines as “one of the world’s liveliest economies.”
The President added that MMPC invested a total of PhP5.72 billion and that local production would create around 7,900 direct and indirect employment in the country.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation aims to manufacture 20,000 units at the end of the year. MMPC’s new stamping plant is also set to start operation in January 2018 that is expected to further increase local content and boost production volume of MMPC by fifty percent (50%).
The CARS Program is ‘being implemented in order to attract new investments, stimulate demand and effectively implement industry regulations that will revitalize the Philippine automotive industry, and develop the country as a regional automotive manufacturing hub.’ It aims to seize market opportunities within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with the opening of the ASEAN Economic Community and deepen the country’s participation in the regional supply chain.
* * *