As the country celebrates Japanese-Filipino Friendship Day, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation reflects on a decades-strong partnership, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to building a better future for Filipino communities.
From the production of iconic models like the Mirage, Mirage G4 and L300 to the thousands of jobs supported by its local manufacturing operations, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) stands as a testament to what two nations can achieve when driven by a common vision. This synergy has bought to life vehicles that serve families, businesses and industries across the country.
MMPC, one of the Philippines’ leading automotive manufacturers, takes the opportunity to celebrate the lives, industries, and futures uplifted through a relationship that’s driven by trust—and built to last.
Built on Trust: A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
MMPC’s roots in the Philippines go back over 60 years, making it one of the longest-standing automotive companies in the country. What began as a business venture has evolved into a relationship grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.


Japanese and Filipino employees work in synergy, driving shared success at MMPC
“From the beginning, this partnership has always been anchored on trust,” shares Ritsu Imaeda, President & CEO of MMPC. “Trust in Filipino capability, trust in our shared goals, and trust in the vision that we can achieve together. It is this strong foundation that has allowed us to grow together, not just as a company, but as contributors to the nation’s development.”
MMPC continues to benefit from Japan’s technological leadership, while the Philippines offers a vibrant, skilled workforce, strong consumer base, and deep cultural alignment. Beyond operational excellence, Filipino professionals have also taken pivotal roles in shaping strategy and direction. The company is proud to be guided not only by technical collaboration but by home-grown thinkers and decision-makers who understand the pulse of the Filipino market. Together, this synergy creates value not just for the company, but for the country.
People at the Heart of Progress
One of the most visible manifestations of this partnership is MMPC’s investment in local talent. With about 1,500 employees and thousands more supported through dealerships, suppliers, and logistics networks, MMPC plays a key role in driving employment and livelihood across the country.
“We don’t just operate in the Philippines—we grow with the Filipino,” says Imaeda. “Our people are our greatest asset. And we take pride in providing not only jobs, but long-term careers built on training, mentorship, and respect.”
Japanese management philosophies such as Kaizen (continuous improvement) and Monozukuri (craftsmanship and pride in work) have become core to MMPC’s workplace culture. Filipino employees are trained not only in technical skills, but in a mindset of discipline, quality, and purpose, often through cross-cultural experiences and knowledge sharing with Japanese counterparts.
The result is a dynamic, value-driven organization where cultures complement rather than compete. “The Filipino warmth and creativity, combined with Japanese precision and discipline—that’s a powerful combination,” Imaeda adds.
Driving the Local Economy, One Investment at a Time
Beyond employment, MMPC has made significant contributions to national development through its sustained commitment to local manufacturing, industry growth, and economic inclusion. Its 23-hectare assembly plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, with an annual capacity to produce 50,000 units, is one of the largest in the country, supporting local manufacturing of models like the Mirage, Mirage G4 and the L300.


MMPC’s 23-hecatre manufacturing plant located in Sta. Rosa Laguna which produces some 50,000 vehicle units, focusing on the Mirage, Mirage G4 and L300 units of the automotive brand.
“Our commitment to local manufacturing is a reflection of our belief in the Philippines as a long-term investment destination,” explains Imaeda. “We are not here to merely sell, but we are here to build, support, and contribute.”
By continually investing in its Philippines operations and supply chain while supporting government programs, MMPC helps strengthen the country’s industrial capability, supports local enterprises, and advances national efforts toward long-term mobility and economic resilience.
Looking ahead, MMPC remains steadfast in its role as a partner to the Philippine government and the private sector-ready to support the country’s evolving industrial roadmap and contribute to a more inclusive and future-ready economy.
With the support from its Japanese parent company, MMPC has emerged as one of the strongest performing Mitsubishi Motors markets in the ASEAN region. In both sales and operational excellence, MMPC has proven the potential of the Filipino workforce and strength of the local market, cementing its role as a key growth driver for Mitsubishi Motors across Asia.
In fiscal year 2024, MMPC posted a record retails sales volume of 91,639 vehicles, representing a 12 percent year-on-year growth.
Beyond Business: A Culture of Responsibility and Respect
True to Japanese corporate tradition, MMPC believes that corporate success must go hand-in-hand with social responsibility. Over the years, the company has engaged in various CSR initiatives, from education, workforce development, health, and disaster relief to environmental preservation, guided by a belief in collective development

MMPC extends care through health, environmental, talent development missions and other programs as part of its broader commitment to its stakeholders.

This reflects the Japanese ethos of “Sanpo Yoshi”—a principle that business should benefit the seller, the buyer, and society.
“Our responsibility doesn’t stop at the showroom or the assembly line. We owe it to our customers, our employees, and our host communities to be a responsible corporate citizen,” shares Imaeda. “That is how we earn trust, not just as a brand, but as a partner in nation-building.”
Moving Forward, Together
As the global auto industry undergoes transformation toward sustainability, and digital mobility, MMPC sees the Filipino-Japanese partnership as more than a legacy. It is a proven foundation that continues to guide the company through change and towards progress. Rooted in decades of trust, cultural synergy, and purposeful collaboration, this alliance empowers MMPC to move forward with confidence and clarity.
“Our commitment to local manufacturing is a reflection of this strong bond, one that drives us to build, support and contribute to the country’s economic and social growth,” Imaeda emphasized.
MMPC’s continued investment in the Philippines also reflects a broader vision to support national development through industrial activity, technology transfer and job creation. From skilled leadership, the company’s people-first approach exemplifies how international partnerships can empower nations to move forward together.

The MMPC team is united in driving resilience and innovation through strong collaboration.
As the road ahead calls for greater resilience, innovation, and unity, this partnership between two cultures that have built more than machines, but also momentum, meaning and future of possibilities, continues to be MMPC’s steady compass.