What better way to show the world that you and your Land Rover SUV really do get down and dirty than with a rugged Land Rover-branded mobile phone? Following in the footsteps of fellow SUV-maker Hummer’s move to push their own-branded cellphones, Land Rover has apparently teamed up with Sonim to offer water-, temperature- and shock-resistant handsets starting next year.
The Sonim-made Land Rover S1 and Land Rover S2 G4 handsets are expected to hit the market next year in Land Rover’s bid to “compliment the lifestyle of the outdoor adventurer.” A third Land Rover handset should follow later next year.
In staying with Land Rover’s rough and tumble lifestyle brand, the Land Rover S1 and Land Rover S2 G4 feature ruggedized exteriors certified to withstanding temperature extremes (thermal shock), salt, fog, humidity, and even a 1.6-meter drop onto concrete. And, with Bluetooth connectivity, the new Land Rover handsets from Sonim can keep you connected wirelessly. The rest of the handsets’ feature set isn’t yet available.
Land Rover is looking to push their branded mobile phone offerings to “top operators, mobile retailers and consumers” in 40 countries around the world.
Full press release follows.
Sonim Technologies and Land Rover Unveil Exclusive Rugged Mobile Phones Partnership
Partnership reinforces Sonim’s status as rising mobile carrier for rugged users
San Mateo, Calif., December 3, 2008 – Sonim Technologies announced today that it will embark on a partnership with Land Rover, which includes the launch of co-branded mobile phone products as well as an eco-friendly packaging. Land Rover, recognising adventurers’ desire for a full roster of mobile and durable products, engaged Sonim to become its licensing partner for a line of rugged cell phones that are designed to compliment the lifestyle of the outdoor adventurer.
Two co-branded phones will enter the market by mid-2009 – the Land Rover S1 by Sonim and Land Rover S2 G4 by Sonim. This will be followed later in the year by the launch of a third Land Rover phone. Sonim and Land Rover will co-market the phones to top operators, mobile retailers and consumers in a staggering 40 countries.
“In less than two years, Sonim has set the bar for engineering best-in-class rugged mobile phones for people who work and play in extreme environments,” said Bob Plaschke, Sonim’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted to be partnering with Land Rover on this range of rugged mobile phones.”
“Land Rover recognises that our customers’ needs extend beyond the driver’s seat,” added Lindsay Weaver, Land Rover Global Licensing Manager. “Sonim and Land Rover are ideal partners in this effort, as both companies thrive on ingenuity, craftsmanship and durability.”
Land Rover and Sonim share a brand spirit: products fit for purpose. The Land Rover phones will be submersible, Bluetooth-compliant and certified to withstand salt, fog, humidity, transport and thermal shock and a 1.6-metre drop to concrete from any angle. To deliver further against Sonim and Land Rover’s distinctive marketplace proposition, the partners engaged iconic designer Scott Wilson, to develop the product lines.
As a natural extension of Sonim and Land Rover’s commitment to sustainability, the phones packaging forms a long-lasting re-useable rugged water resistant protective case. This is made from XENOY, a revolutionary post-consumer plastic derived mostly from used plastic bottles and film.
Bob Plaschke commented: “We are thrilled about the opportunity to further connect with global adventurers through our durable phones and our truly breakthrough form of packaging.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Robin Dhara
Red Robin
Tel: +44 788 080 7752
Email: robin@red-robin.co.uk
About Sonim Technologies, Inc.
Sonim Technologies enables today’s GPRS, UMTS & Wi-Fi data networks to deliver high-performance VoIP applications and services, specifically optimized to meet the productivity objectives of mobile enterprises. Sonim is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices in Bangalore, London, Stockholm and Madrid. For more information, visit Sonim on the Web at sonimtech.com.
About Land Rover
About Land Rover – Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true ‘breadth of capability’ across the model range. Defender, Freelander 2, Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover each define the world’s 4×4 sectors, with 78% of this model range exported to 164 countries. Land Rover employs 8,500 people and supports a further 40,000 jobs in the supply chain
Land Rover takes its responsibility to the environment seriously. Emissions have been cut with all new models and, together with Jaguar, it is investing £700m on technology specifically aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Also, since September 2006, carbon dioxide generated by Land Rover manufacturing activities and UK customer vehicle use has been balanced through an industry leading offset programme run by Climate Care
Land Rover through the G4 Challenge will raise over £1 million for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
www.landrover.com