The XForce HEV may be moving closer to a potential launch in the Philippines, with Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia scheduled to introduce the hybrid SUV on July 16th, more than a year after its global debut in Thailand.

Powered by a 1.6-litre hybrid powertrain paired with an electric motor, the XForce HEV produces a combined 116 PS and 255 Nm of torque. The model competes in the same segment as the Honda HR-V e:HEV and Toyota Corolla Cross HEV.

Despite growing demand for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in the Philippines, Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has yet to introduce the XForce HEV to the local market.

Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia recently released teaser images of the XForce HEV ahead of its scheduled launch, marking the first time the model will be offered outside Thailand, where it is currently manufactured.

The XForce HEV is produced at Mitsubishi's Laem Chabang plant in Thailand, while the standard XForce sold in markets such as the Philippines is manufactured at the company's Krama Yudha facility in Cikarang, West Java, Indonesia. The launch in Indonesia has led to speculation regarding the possibility of the XForce HEV being introduced in the Philippines at a later stage.

MMPC has previously confirmed its intention to manufacture hybrid vehicles locally under the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), with production targeted to commence by 2028. However, the company has not disclosed which hybrid model it intends to assemble in the country.

Among Mitsubishi's current line-up, the XForce HEV and Xpander HEV are regarded as potential candidates for local production. Given the importance of the Philippine market to Mitsubishi, either model could be selected. However, the Xpander Cross HEV may have an advantage due to the Xpander's sales performance in the country.

There has been no official confirmation regarding whether Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia will manufacture the XForce HEV locally.

However, reports indicate that the company's Indonesian plant is being upgraded to support production of the XForce HEV for both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive markets. If production commences in Indonesia, it could serve as an additional supply source for regional markets, including the Philippines.