Mitsubishi has begun exporting the
Mitsubishi Xpander outside of Indonesia where it is exclusively made,
with the Philippines being the first export market for the compact MPV in the ASEAN region, followed by Thailand, Vietnam, and additional international markets in the coming months. Mitsubishi expects to export
around 30,000 Xpanders during the first year.
Leading the Xpander's export launch were Indonesia's President
Joko Widodo and Minister of Industry
Airlangga Hartarto, with Mitsubishi Motors Chief Executive
Osamu Masuko joining them for the ceremony. The event marks the first time that Mitsubishi will export vehicles on a mass scale from Indonesia.
"I am delighted that our company can contribute to the growth of Indonesia, which has been so supportive since we first arrived almost 50 years ago," said Masuko. "The export of Xpander is an important milestone in our ongoing business plan, and adds further to our strong foundations in ASEAN, which are key drivers of our growth in the region."
Since its launch in Indonesia in August 2017, the Xpander has been well received, with dealers across the country taking
over 66,000 orders to date. The company is now working to fulfill its deliveries to its customers.
The Mitsubishi Xpander currently comprises 50 percent of the production capacity at Mitsubishi's Bekasi plant, which is capable of producing 160,000 units per year. Between the expansion of export markets and significant domestic demand in Indonesia, Mitsubishi added a second shift at its facility last October, with plans to increase production to 10,000 units a month starting in July following investments into its welding and assembly processes.
