STOCKHOLM -(Dow Jones)- Nokia Corp. achieved a market share of more than 20% in the U.S. during the fourth quarter after introducing an improved product portfolio, Chief Executive Jorma Ollila told analysts on a conference call.
"Being above 20% is the first step," Ollila said. The second step is to move to market leadership after consolidating the gains made already, he added.
He forecast further gains in the first quarter of 2006, but said the company's aim of reaching the number one position won't happen during the first half of this year.
Industry research firm Strategy Analytics put Nokia's U.S. market share in the third quarter last year at 14.3%, compared with market leader Motorola's, 34.4%.
Ollila said the 6101 model, one of Nokia's overall top sellers, was particularly important in lifting the company's market share.
The 6101 is Nokia's first model that can be extensively customized to fit operator needs and features a color screen, camera and FM radio.
-By Magnus Hansson, Dow Jones Newswires; +46 8 545 130 91; magnus.hansson@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires "
Posted to the site on 26th January 2006
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/15805.php