Nokia sees global handset sales up 15 percent to 600 million in 2004

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2004

HELSINKI (AFP) — Nokia, the world's leading mobile phone maker, said the global handset market would see a brisk growth of 15 percent this year, reaching a total volume of 600 million units, but it admitted it was uncertain how many of those would bear its name.

The handset maker saw its market share drop from almost 40 percent a year ago to around 32 percent in the first quarter, as consumers opted for models made by rivals SonyEricsson and South Koreans LG and Samsung.

Despite the setback, the Finnish giant's long-term goal of reaching a market share of 40 percent still stood, Jorma Ollila, Nokia's chief executive, told journalists at a launch event for mobile phones.

But he would not be drawn on a specific timeframe for this.

"I don't think we are...