Mitsubishi Philippines appoints first board chairman

MANILA, Philippines — Automotive firm Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) has appointed Noriaki Hirakata as its first chairman of the board effective July 1 as part of efforts to drive sustainable business growth.

“The strategic appointment reflects MMPC’s stronger commitment to enhancing corporate governance and driving sustainable business growth,” the company said in a statement.

“As Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC)shifts its focus toward the Philippines, MMC also aims to firm up mid to long-term business plan for (the)Philippine market to ensure the continuous success of the brand in the country,” MMPC said.

Hirakata is concurrently holding the position of assistant executive officer in MMC based in Japan.

He is responsible for corporate strategy management in the Tokyo head office which will allow him to perform closer coordination between MMC and MMPC to guarantee the smooth execution of business plans for the Philippines.

As MMPC chairman of the board, Hirakata’s main responsibility is to oversee implementation of strategic business plans by the executive management committee in order to further solidify the brand’s position as market leader in the Philippines.

“On the other hand, the management of the day-to-day operations of the company will remain to be MMPC resident and CEO’s responsibility,” MMPC said.

Takeshi Hara currently serves as MMPC’s president and CEO since he was appointed in July 2021.

MMPC is currently the second largest automotive firm in the Philippines based on market share, according to data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA)

The company had an 18.18 percent market share from January to May as it sold 30,200 units. This is higher than the 16,209 units sold in the same period last year.

MMPC has a 23-hectare manufacturing plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, which has a maximum production capacity of 50,000 units.

The company locally manufactures the Mirage, Mirage G4 and L300.