Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is open to having its Xpander MPV assembled locally, but only if it will be granted an extension of its privileges under the CARS (Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy) program.
MMPC can make local production of the Xpander a reality on one condition
This was according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), even as the agency is courting MMPC to consider local production of the model which sold 13,090 units in 2022. The automaker earlier said that it plans to start domestic production of a new yet undisclosed model to comply with its volume commitment stipulated by CARS.
“We’re really hoping because the Xpander is very popular, we’re hoping that they will make the next generation Xpander here,” said DTI Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay in an online interview with reporters, mentioning that Mitsubishi plans to expand its production operations in the Philippines.
However, she adds that MMPC’s expansion plan will depend on whether the government will grant its request to extend CARS by two to three years.
Over 13,000 units of the MPV were sold to customers in 2022
“It’s important that we get a firm response on the extension of the CARS program because, as you know…it is time-bound, performance-bound. We have to meet a certain volume of units before you get any subsidy,” Angara-Mathay noted.
Both the Xpander and its Xpander Cross derivative are currently produced in Indonesia for local and export markets.
MMPC and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) participated in the CARS program when it was signed into law through Executive Order 182 in 2015 by then President Benigno Aquino III. The two automakers were required to produce 200,000 units of their respective enrolled models over the next six years, in exchange for government fiscal support.
Mitsubishi originally enrolled the Mirage series under the CARS program
MMPC’s entry was the Mirage in subcompact hatchback and sedan guises, commencing local production in February 2017 and yielding 72,923 units as of December 2022, according to data from the Board of Investments (BOI). TMP began local assembly of the Vios subcompact sedan in July 2018, totaling 134,242 units produced. The COVID-19 pandemic was considered one of the reasons why production quotas were not met.
Following the end of the CARS program in 2021, the DTI said that the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) on Automotive Industry Development was working on an executive order for the proposed extension. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s was said to be studying the proposal during his visit to Japan.
Extend your industry knowledge with our updates at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Mitsubishi Xpander 2024
The 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander is a seven-seater MPV for the Philippine market. As of the 2024 model year, there are three available variants for this model. There’s the Xpander GLX 1.5 MT, the Xpander GLX 1.5 AT, and the Xpander GLS 1.5 AT. These range in price from Php 1,068,000 to Php 1,266,000.
Size-wise, the Xpander has a length of 4,595mm, a width of 1,750mm, and a height of 1,750mm. It also has a wheelbase that spans 2,775mm, and a ground clearance of 225mm.
Under the hood, this Mitsubishi MPV uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that’s capable of producing up to 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. It then uses a front-wheel-drive layout. Depending on the trim, it either gets a four-speed automatic gearbox, or a five-speed manual transmission.
>>> New and used Mitsubishi Xpander 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Mitsubishi Xpander Launch
The updated 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander was introduced to the Philippine market in May 2022. It comes with some slight exterior, interior, and mechanical changes. Available variants for this model include the Xpander GLX 1.5 MT, Xpander GLX 1.5 AT, and the Xpander GLX 1.5 AT.
Mitsubishi Xpander Exterior
On the outside, the Xpander for the 2024 model year gets an updated front grille and bumper design. It now incorporates a mesh, as well as a black-colored slatted grille. It also gets a pair of T-shaped daytime running lamps on the front and a pair of new T-shaped on the rear. It then rides on a set of 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
Mitsubishi Xpander Interior
Inside, the updated Xpander now comes with a redesigned dashboard which also hosts a sleeker control cluster for its air-conditioning unit. It also gets a center armrest. Likewise, its steering wheel also received a redesign.
Being a facelift, it does retain the same generous interior space, as well as its ability to fit up to seven passengers. The driver is also provided with a tilt and telescopic steering column, a push-to-start button, and cruise control, among other features.
Technology & Safety Features
On the dashboard of the 2024 Xpander is a seven-inch headunit. This infotainment system, which is now standard across all trims, now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Safety-wise, it comes with dual front airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, etc.
Mitsubishi Xpander Platform & Chassis
The Mitsubishi Xpander is a five-door compact MPV that uses a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. It then gets a MacPherson strut for the front and a torsion beam suspension for the rear. Braking is then handled by front disc brakes, a rear drum brake, and a manual hand-operated parking brake.
Mitsubishi Xpander Engine & Drivetrain
Standard on all Xpander trims is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can produce up to 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. The GLX may come with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox. The top-spec GLS meanwhile exclusively uses a four-speed automatic transmission.
In the Philippine market, the Mitsubishi Xpander has three different color options. These are Graphite Gray, Sterling Silver Metallic, and Jet Black Mica.
Mitsubishi Xpander 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Xpander 1.5 GLX MT | ₱1,068,000 |
| Mitsubishi Xpander 1.5 GLX AT | ₱1,128,000 |
| Mitsubishi Xpander 1.5 GLS AT | ₱1,216,000 |
Mitsubishi Xpander FAQs
1. How many variants does the Mitsubishi Xpander 2024 in the Philippines have?
In the Philippines, the Mitsubishi Xpander 2024 is available in 3 variants GLX MT, GLX AT, and GLS AT.
2. How to start the Mitsubishi Xpander?
The Mitsubishi Xpander GLS gets a push-to-start button, while the GLX trims come with a turn-key ignition system.
3. Is the Mitsubishi Xpander an SUV?
Technically speaking, the Mitsubishi Xpander is a unibody MPV.
4. How much do all 3 variants of the Mitsubishi Xpander 2024 cost?
The GLX MT, GLX AT, and GLS AT are priced respectively at P1,068,000; P1,128,000; and P 1,216,000.
₱ 1,068,000 - ₱ 1,198,000
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