Sony Ericsson wowing mobile handset market

Nokia expanded its leadership position in the mobile handset market in 2006, shipping more units than its next two closest competitors combined, according to research firm iSuppli.

However, the biggest waves in the market in 2006 were made by Sony Ericsson, which in the fourth quarter posted the largest on quarter growth of all mobile-phone makers, with shipments rising 61.5% to 26 million units, up from 16.1 million units during the same period in 2005. The joint venture between consumer electronics giant Sony and telecommunications specialist Ericsson enjoyed a great 2006, achieving more than 15% growth in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2006.

"Sony Ericsson is targeting its entire product line at the mid-to-high range of the market and just recently has started entering the emerging low-cost handset market," said Tina Teng, wireless communications analyst at iSuppli. "This has contributed to the company's accelerated growth in 2006. Plus, Sony Ericsson's products appeal to every regional market globally, because its camera- and music-enabled phones hit the sweet spot in terms of desirable handset features."

Nokia still leading but Sony Ericsson wowing mobile handset market, says iSuppli