Modelabs Launches Branded Handset

French handset manufacturer Modelabs Group has launched its first mobile handset in the Chilean market and plans to follow up with additional products, the company's Americas general manager Jeff Galant told press.

The handset, branded with the Body Glove surfing gear logo, targets consumers between the ages of 13 and 35 who "lead an active lifestyle and express their identify through their mobile phones," Galant said.

Modelabs markets its branded phones to niche buyers with features such as video cameras, MP3 players, Bluetooth and user applications for personalizing the devices. The handset will be available starting March 3 with Chilean mobile carrier Entel PCS and sold by retail chain Falabella.

The company is also preparing launches in other markets as well and plans to eventually offer the handset across the whole of Latin America, Galant told BNamericas. The executive would not comment on sales projections, or what country would be next for the company.

In Chile the company is seeking to sell its handsets through other mobile carriers, Galant added.

In 2006, Modelabs billed 214mn euros (US$283mn) globally."

Posted to the site on 1st March 2007