Industry News/Updates
PH to produce first locally-made hybrid cars with Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors will manufacture the Philippines’ first locally produced hybrid electric vehicles at its plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The Philippines is set to manufacture its first locally-produced hybrid electric vehicles after Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced plans to establish hybrid manufacturing capabilities at its existing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
Mitsubishi Motors President and CEO Takao Kato confirmed the company’s intention during a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go at Malacañan Palace on April 6.
Subject to approval of Mitsubishi Motors’ application to the government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation plans to begin production of a new hybrid model at its Laguna plant around the middle of calendar year 2028.
In line with the production start, MMPC is planning additional investments, including facility enhancements to support electrification. The company is also looking at the possibility of exporting products from its Laguna plant.
Sec. Go described the development as a landmark investment that could redefine the future of the country’s automotive industry.
“This is a landmark investment that will redefine the future of our automotive industry. And the even more exciting possibility is that we could be an exporter of hybrid cars,” Go said.
The Board of Investments is currently finalizing the Electric Vehicle Incentives Strategy program for endorsement to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board and approval by the President. The initiative aims to accelerate investments and reinforce the Philippines’ position as an emerging hub for electric vehicle manufacturing in the region.
During the meeting, Kato said the Philippines has long been one of Mitsubishi Motors’ most important markets, where the company has engaged in production and sales for many years.
“In cooperation with the Philippine government, we are honored to contribute to the advancement of vehicle electrification and industrial development through the EVIS program, as well as to support the further growth of the Philippine economy,” Kato said.
Government statement said producing hybrids locally could help reduce oil import dependence and cut urban emissions, while aligning with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act. The investment is also expected to create job opportunities and support the local supply chain.
Industry News/Updates
Ford announces finalists for 25th Henry Ford Awards
Ford names 25th Henry Ford Awards finalists for motoring journalism excellence.
Ford Philippines has named the finalists for the 25th Henry Ford Awards (HFA), the industry’s only awards program recognizing excellence in motoring journalism, the company statement said on April 16.
The awards, now in its 25th year, features five submission categories divided into Industry Awards and Ford-specific categories.
Industry Category Awards
For Automotive Vehicle Review of the Year (Article), the finalists are Luigi Leonardo of GadgetMatch for his piece on the Kia EV9, Carlo Chungunco of Top Gear Philippines for a story on the Mazda Miata, and Raymond Gregory Tribdino of The Manila Times’ Fast Times for a review of the 2025 Mitsubishi Xpander.
In the Automotive Vehicle Review of the Year (Video) category, finalists include Earl Lee of AutoDeal for the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO, Caco Tirona of AutoDeal for the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9, and Alexander Zosa of Jaywalkur Motoring for the BYD Seal 5 DMi.
Ford Category Awards
The Ford Launch Story of the Year category features Kristoffer Lim of Megabites, Leandre Grecia of Top Gear Philippines, and MJ Jucutan of GadgetMatch.
For Ford Automotive Video Feature of the Year, the nominees are Jack Gutierrez of AutoDeal, Roy Robles of Zigwheels Philippines, and Caco Tirona of AutoDeal.
In the Ford Automotive Short-Form Video of the Year category, finalists are Roy Robles of Zigwheels Philippines, Charles Banaag of Top Gear Philippines, and Isaac Atienza of Go Flat Out PH.
All entries underwent two rounds of judging by members of the academe and business leaders. Video submissions were evaluated by special judges, including Ogilvy Executive Creative Director Chino Jayme and brand filmmaker Sid Maderazo of Provill Studios and Sidekick Collective.
Winners will be announced on May 5, 2026. The ceremony will also honor the Silver Mile Luminaries, motoring journalists with the most HFA wins over the past 25 years, as well as the recipient of the first-ever Butch Gamboa Lifetime Achievement Award.
Industry News/Updates
Ford offers cash discounts, low downpayment deals for April
Ford Philippines offers April cash discounts, low downpayments, and 0% interest on select models.
Ford Philippines is offering special promotions this April, including cash discounts, low all-in downpayment deals, and interest-free financing across several vehicle models.
The offers cover the Ford Ranger, Everest, Territory Hybrid, Explorer, and Mustang Mach-E, the company announced on April 15.
Territory Hybrid
The Territory Hybrid Titanium X comes with a P50,000 cash discount or a lower all-in downpayment deal of P89,000. The base Territory Trend remains priced at P1,399,000 and is available at a monthly fee of P29,352.
The Territory Hybrid, launched in August 2025, features a self-charging system that recovers battery power through regenerative braking and energy capture from the engine. It does not require charging stations.

Mustang Mach-E
The all-electric Mustang Mach-E is offered with a P500,000 cash discount, bringing its starting retail price to P2,999,000. Customers can also avail of 0% interest with a 50% downpayment on a 60-month amortization plan.
Ford Everest
The 7-seater Everest Titanium+ 4×2 comes with a P110,000 cash discount or a complimentary 5-Star Care Package, which includes a free 5-year warranty, 5-year scheduled service plan, and 5-year emergency roadside assistance, plus a P70,000 cash discount.
The Everest Trend variant is available at a P79,000 low all-in downpayment or a monthly fee of P39,107. The Everest Sport comes with a P60,000 discount.
Ford Ranger
The Ranger Sport is offered with a P180,000 discount. Customers can also avail of a low all-in downpayment of P59,000 for the 4×2 variant or P69,000 for the 4×4 variant. The entry-level Ranger XLS is available at a P99,000 all-in downpayment or a monthly fee of P28,932.
Ford Explorer
The Explorer 2.3L Limited EcoBoost comes with either a P1,000,000 discount or 0% interest with a 20% downpayment on a 60-month amortization plan.
“We recognize the need to make mobility more accessible especially during these challenging times,” said Byron Daquil, Director of Retail Marketing and Business Growth at Ford Philippines. “With customer-focused promotional offers on the Territory Hybrid, Mustang Mach-E and across our vehicle lineup, we hope to provide options to enable customers to keep moving through their day-to-day with ease and efficiency.”
For more details, visit Ford Philippines website at https://www.ford.com.ph/
Industry News/Updates
Vespa launches new 180cc Sprint, Primavera models in PH
Vespa launches two new 180cc scooters at Makina Moto 2026.
Vespa distributor Piaggio Philippines Corporation has introduced two new 180cc scooter models at the Makina Moto 2026 event, expanding its lineup in the local market.
The new offerings, the Vespa Sprint and Vespa Primavera, were unveiled on April 14 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Both models come in three variants each, with prices ranging from P218,000 to P288,000.

The Primavera 180cc is priced at P218,000 for the Standard variant, P228,000 for the Primavera S, and P268,000 for the Primavera Tech. The scooter features newly designed rims and a redesigned speedometer, according to the distributor.
The Sprint 180cc lineup starts at P238,000 for the Standard variant, followed by the Sprint S at P248,000, and the Sprint Tech at P288,000. The Sprint is distinguished by sharper body lines, with the Tech variant equipped with a high-definition digital dashboard.
Both models are powered by an enhanced 180cc engine and come standard with a keyless start system and ABS brakes.

The Italian brand has been manufacturing scooters since 1946. The new Sprint and Primavera models are now available at authorized Vespa dealerships nationwide.
The Makina Moto 2026 event runs until April 17 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
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