700,000TH MITSUBISHI UNIT ROLLS OFF PH ASSEMBLY LINE

continue its growth and even plans to expand its business in the Philippines, gearing MMPC toward further development of its manufacturing technologies of its plant.

Kato hinted that it is possible for MMPC to begin the exportation of its newly launched L300—now packing a Euro 4compliant 2.2-liter CRDI intercooler turbo engine—to select Asean countries, implying that plant operations could become very busy in the coming months and years.

Kato was welcomed by Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, MMPC president and CEO, who said during the ceremony that the milestone would not be possible without the P4.3 billion investment placed in its Santa Rosa facility that enabled MMPC to produce both the Mirage G4 sedan and hatchback locally.

These two models are MMPC’S entry into the government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program that aims to position the Philippines as Southeast Asia’s next car assembly hub.

Under the CARS program, MMPC has committed to locally produce a total of 200,000 units by 2023.

“The transfer of Mirage production to the Philippines led to new jobs within MMPC, and has benefited several local businesses which were awarded to supply numerous parts for the car. MMPC will continue to exert great efforts to make a contribution to Philippine society and the economy, to support the government in its effort to promote the entire automotive industry,” Oshikiri said.

1964

It was in 1964 when MMPC, then known as Chrysler Philippines Corp., started producing models such as the Dodge Colt, Minica F4, Lancer, Cimarron, and Mitsubishi trucks.

By 2009, MMPC has achieved its 500,000th unit cumulative production milestone (it was a Lancer EX sedan model that rolled off its now closed Cainta plant), the first in the Philippines to achieve the feat.

At the time, the company enjoyed an extensive product line-up that spans from passenger cars to light commercial vehicles and trucks and buses.

In Dec. 16, 2014, MMPC rolled-off the last vehicle assembled in its Cainta, Rizal plant—a white Mitsubishi Adventure, which was the plant’s 581,671st unit—before transferring all operations to its present facility in Santa Rosa City.

Since then, MMPC’S model line-up continues to grow strong with its latest models composed of the Mirage hatch, Mirage G4 sedan, Pajero SUV, New Montero Sport SUV, Xpander MPV, New Strada pickup, Strada GL pickup, and the new L300 cab and chassis.