The GSM handset market is growing at such a scorching pace that even with a 100% growth in volumes, the market leader and dominant player, Nokia, has seen a dip in market share in the last one year. Nokia’s market share in the GSM handset market in terms of units sold has come off its highs at 78-80% in end December 2005 to around 70% at the end of December 2006.
In the same period, Motorola has gained from 5% to 15% while Sony Ericsson has gained to around 8%, according to ORG-GFK figures. The other players in the handsets segment include Samsung, LG, Philips, Panasonic, Bird, Sagem and Benq.
Nokia has for long dominated the handsets segment and this is probably among the few industry segments where the market leader has had such a huge market share.
When contacted a Nokia spokesperson said it is not company policy to comment on market share but added: “Nokia’s leadership in India is a testimony of its ability to offer products that are relevant to customers, with a fine balance of technology and design to meet their lifestyle and budget needs.
It is this balance that has allowed Nokia to achieve long term profitable growth over the last decade of its operations in India. As the Indian market evolves we will continue to offer products that are relevant and customised to local needs to maintain our market leadership in India.â€
Source: Economic Times
What’s going on down there?