Nokia, Motorola, and Sony Ericsson Increase Standings in Handset Market

Press Release - January 29, 2007

The world’s largest cell phone manufacturer, Nokia, increased its global market share during the fourth quarter, as did Motorola, while Samsung and LG slipped behind, according to a researcher with Strategy Analytics.

As of December 31, Nokia held 35.2% of the global handset market, compared to 34.1% a year previous. U.S.-based Motorola, meanwhile, saw its market share rise from 18.2% to 21.9% in the same time period.

Strategy Analytics described Sony Ericsson as the “star performer” in the the final months of 2006 due to “a combination of attractive models and cool sub-brands,” including the popular Walkman music phone. The joint venture’s sales increased by 64% in the fourth quarter, giving it an 8.7% share of the global handset market, compared to just 6.6% a year ago.