Russians prefer Siemens and Motorola to Nokia

2003 was a record-breaking year in the history of cell phone sales in Russia.

Based on the data from the IDC research company, Russians have purchased 17 million cell phones in one year; the number is 88% higher than in 2002. Russian cell phone salesmen earned $2,4 billion in 2003.

Interestingly, Nokia's position is getting weaker on the Russian cell phone market and occupies third place. First place belongs to German company Siemens (235 chose this particular brand). Motorola, with 22% of the market sales, occupies second place.

IDC experts explain that this is caused by more flexible price politics of the Finnish company Nokia, which is in fact the world's leader in cell-phone industry. Basically, Russians (being poorer than Europeans and Americans) preferred to buy cheaper models made by Siemens and Motorola; those who put style first—Samsung and LG. Korean company Samsung Electronics with 13% of the market, occupies fourth place, while LG (8%)—fifth place, reports Kommersant.

According to IDC, Motorola has a great chance of becoming a leader in 2004, bypassing its main competitors.

Nokia plans to produce 40 new cell phone models in 2004.

During last week's annual stockholder's meeting of the world's largest cell phone manufacturer Nokia, its head Jorma Ollil has stated that the company plans to keep up its high production level of new phone models in 2004.
            
Source: Newsru