Jul. 20, 2006 Middle East slim phone segment to grow 30 per cent, says LG Electronics
Slim phones are becoming a fad among customers worldwide due to their light weight and easy portability - and in the Middle East we are seeing exceptionally high demand in this handset category,” said C. H Lee, President, LG Electronics Gulf FZE
Company’s consumer research shows increasing demand for sleeker handsets that challenge the limits of form and function Cut the flab, slim is in. Customer demand for mobile phone products that are ultra-slim, yet packed with powerful features, is encouraging companies such as LG Electronics to expand their portfolio of sleeker handsets.
A top official of LG Electronics Middle East and Africa said that the slim phones segment will become a mainstay of the mobile business in the region and will continue to set the benchmark for stylish products. This category has fuelled competition among mobile companies to offer products that are striking in looks and packed with as many sophisticated features as possible in a limited space.
The company’s research shows that slim phones are expected to capture roughly 30 per cent of the region’s mobile phone business. LG Electronics expects to achieve AED 78 million in sales from its slim phone products in the UAE alone, which are a key part of the growing LG portfolio of ergonomic, stylish handsets.
“Slim phones are becoming a fad among customers worldwide due to their light weight and easy portability - and in the Middle East we are seeing exceptionally high demand in this handset category,” explained C.H. Lee, President, LG Electronics, Gulf FZE. “Sleek mobile phones are the new rage - they are stylish, cool, and they are the new fashion statement.” “Design and technology are central to staying ahead of the competition in the handset segment, and mobile phones are today seen as an extension of our personality. LG’s new handset products, such as the recently launched LG Chocolate phone, are fun, exciting and a reflection of the sense of style of our customers,” he said.
Lee added: “Customers are also now demanding powerful features as standard that were previously only available with high-end handsets. This demand is encouraging us to develop products that challenge form and function.”
In the coming weeks, LG plans to launch the slim and stylish Touch Pad Chocolate Folder phone, to add to the already highly successful Chocolate Slider. LG is also planning another three models KG 220, KG 245 and KG 320 to capitalise on this trend.
LG Electronics introduced the world’s first 5 mega-pixel camera phone in the Middle East earlier this week. Outperforming the latest cameras in its category, the robust KG920 is the sleekest product in its segment and incorporates advanced multimedia functions as well as an innovative ‘twist and slim’ design.
Last year, LG’s regional GSM sales increased 15 per cent compared to 2004. LG has retained the fourth position in handset sales globally, with a 7.4 per cent market share in 2005.
LG is targeting sales of US$300 million in handsets in the Middle East and Africa region for 2006. The company expects to register a 50 per cent growth globally to seize the number three spot in handsets in two years.
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