Mitsubishi Motors has introduced the current-generation Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the Philippines, marking the model’s first introduction in the ASEAN region.

Its local subsidiary, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC), has begun sales of the Outlander PHEV as Mitsubishi expands its electrified vehicle portfolio in the Philippine market.

The Outlander PHEV was originally introduced in 2013 and is now sold in more than 60 countries.

In its statement, the company said: “The Philippines is one of Mitsubishi Motors' key markets, where the SUV segment has continued to grow in recent years alongside increasing customer interest in vehicles with strong environmental performance and advanced technologies.

“With the introduction of the Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi Motors aims to expand customer choice as it further strengthens its product lineup in the Philippine market.”

The new model uses plug-in hybrid technology alongside Mitsubishi Motors’ all-wheel control system.

It is intended to operate primarily in electric mode for daily driving, while using hybrid operation for longer journeys.

Mitsubishi said it plans to continue developing vehicles around its electrification and all-wheel control technologies as it broadens its range in the Philippines.

Earlier this month, MMPC announced that it is considering establishing a battery manufacturing facility for electric vehicles.

The proposal was part of a planned 7bn peso ($114.3m) investment under the Philippines’ Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS).

It came after an executive order signed last month by President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, which created the framework for EVIS to encourage domestic production of electric vehicles and related components.

Mitsubishi Motors is also working on plans to introduce a midsize version of its revived Pajero SUV in Japan by fiscal year 2028, followed by a compact model.