MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) presented on Monday the first Philippine-made Mirage G4 to President Duterte in a ceremony held at Malacañang, which was headed by Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC) President and CEO Osamu Masuko, Sojitz Corp. Vice Chairman Shijeki Dantani and MMPC President and CEO Yoshiaki Kato.
The event marks a symbolic milestone not only for Mitsubishi Motors but for the local automotive industry and the Philippine economy. The 21-hectare manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, can produce a maximum of 50,000 units annually. The local production of the Mirage, which will start in May, is expected to increase further local content and boost production volume of MMPC by 50 percent, ,and will create additional job opportunities to both MMPC and local parts suppliers. Some of the local parts suppliers will also take advantage of technology transfer from their foreign partners for the overall improvement in operations, efficiency and quality.
Designed to address the need for a practical and yet stylish compact sedan, the Mirage G4, which stands for Mirage Global 4-door sedan, offers great cabin and trunk spaces, class-leading features and amenities, providing customers with exceptional value for money and fuel economy. According to Kato, MMC has already invested about P4.3 billion for the production facilities and equipment. “We are very grateful to the Philippine president for his support to the CARS Program.”
In his message, Masuko expressed his confidence in the government, “Under the strong leadership of President Duterte, there is big potential of economic growth in this country. The automotive industry, with its broad base, high-quality labor force and strong support through the government’s development policy, will contribute more to the progress of the Philippine economy.”
Image credits: Stephanie Tumampos