HMD Global to Launch Its Own Smartphone Brand in India First

HMD Global, recognized as the manufacturer of Nokia smartphones, is preparing to introduce its very own brand of smartphones in India. In an interview with ET Telecom, Ravi Kunwar, HMD Global's Vice President for India and Asia Pacific, confirmed this development.

The launch is anticipated to take place in the first half of 2024, with India as the primary focus for the company's endeavors. HMD Global is set to manufacture all its devices in India and explore exporting them to other markets.

HMD's Evolution into its Own Brand

This move aligns with an announcement made by Jean-Francois Baril, the Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of HMD Global, earlier this year on LinkedIn. He indicated that the company would venture into launching its own HMD-branded smartphones, marking an evolution from manufacturing Nokia phones to creating an independent brand. Importantly, HMD's branded smartphones will coexist alongside Nokia devices in the company's product portfolio, with new partners joining the venture.

Ravi Kunwar reaffirmed this strategy, revealing that HMD Global intends to introduce its own line of HMD-branded devices in the first half of 2024. This product lineup will encompass smartphones, tablets, feature phones, and IoT devices, forming a comprehensive ecosystem. While the Nokia portfolio caters to various consumer segments, the HMD-branded products will target different demographics.

India: A Priority Market for HMD's Brand

India holds a pivotal role in HMD's global strategy. It will serve as the launchpad for HMD-branded devices, making their debut in India before reaching international markets. Kunwar emphasized the importance of India in HMD's vision, driven by the substantial consumer market and the promising performance in the country.

HMD Global has been actively manufacturing most of its smartphone models in India for the past three years. This involves partnerships with prominent companies like Foxconn, Dixon Technologies, and Lava International. The recent export of Nokia feature phones from India, particularly the Nokia 105 priced under ₹1,000, has established India as a significant export hub.

Kunwar reiterated the company's commitment to the "Make in India" initiative, leveraging the benefits provided by the Indian government to facilitate exports. HMD aspires to utilize its contact manufacturers in India to create a strong export base for its products.

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