Driven by strong fourth quarter growth, worldwide mobile phone sales
surpassed 674 million units in 2004, a 30% increase from 2003. According to
Gartner Inc, worldwide mobile phone sales grew 24% in quarter four compared to
the same quarter in 2003.
"The market exceeded even the most optimistic forecasts in 2004. Strong
replacement sales, seasonal dynamics and continued growth in emerging markets,
especially Latin America, delivered the highest sales volume ever
recorded," said Principal Analyst for Mobile Terminals Research at Gartner,
Ben Wood.
After a tough start to the year, Nokia rebounded with a fourth quarter 2004
market share of 33%. "Nokia stabilized its market share at the end of 2004
after the challenges of the first two quarters where it dropped to 28.8%,"
Ben said. "Its broad portfolio of devices combined with its profitable high
volume low-tier products will help sustain this position in 2005, but it must
regain the initiative in terms of brand and technology leadership in the face of
strong competition from other top five vendors," he added.
The momentum built in 2004 will continue into 2005 as Gartner forecasts
worldwide mobile phone sales to exceed 730 million units. While the mobile phone
market will continue to grow, Gartner analysts said vendors would face
challenges in 2005. "In mature markets, it remains to be seen whether the
record breaking levels of replacement sales can be sustained," said
Principal Analyst for Mobile Terminals Research (Americas) at Gartner, Hugues De
La Vergne. "In emerging markets, the major battle ground in 2005 will be
the sub $50 handset arena," he added.
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