Germany’s Siemens Mobile has reported that its sales doubled in the Middle East in 2002. According to the company, it is today the second largest brand in the regional market for mobile phones.
On a global scale, Siemens sold 4.6 million units more in 2002 than in the previous year. The main reasons that have determined the drive of the regional mobile phone market – especially in its key markets of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan - is the rapid transition of the mobile phone as a lifestyle accessory, as well as the quicker adaptation to ever-changing technology.
“A higher disposable income, especially in UAE and Kuwait, allows consumers to migrate to new models as soon as they are introduced. In fact, the GCC as a whole has one of the fastest turnaround times as far as replacement of mobile phones is concerned, with the life cycle of a mobile phone decreasing from two years in 1998 to less than nine months in 2002,” said Head of Siemens Mobile Devices for the Middle East, Said Asim Sukhera.
Siemens also tapped into the youth market in Jordan who comprise the highest users of SMS in the region. Fastlink – one of Jordan's telecommunication providers – handles around 12 million SMS's every month, an average that increases dramatically during festive periods and holidays.
In addition to developing existing markets in 2003, Siemens Mobile will be focusing its efforts in Saudi Arabia, the region's largest single market for mobile phones. The company will also be consolidating its presence significantly in Kuwait and Qatar, initiated primarily by the appointment of a new distributor in the latter.
The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (IC Mobile) offers a range of mobile solutions including mobile devices, infrastructure and applications. Devices include mobile phones, wireless modules, mobile organizers and cordless phones as well as products for wireless home networks. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
