DAVAO CITY — Nokia is stepping up its presence outside the Philippine capital as part of its overall strategy to regain its position as among the top three mobile phone brands globally following its recent relaunch.

“Our aspiration is to become among the top three players in the market in the next three years,” HMD Global Philippines Country Manager Shannon Mead told the media over the weekend as Nokia held its “activation activity” at the SM City Davao.

HMD Global, a Finnish company affiliated with the come-backing Nokia brand, was formed to create new generations of smartphones and other products.

Mr. Mead said Metro Manila has a different market from Davao and the other areas, so it was not enough for the brand to be present just in major malls in the capital.

“We talked with local cellphone shops in the city for the distribution of Nokia Android phones,” he said.

The company also plans to become more visible around the country through participation in festivals and other events.

“We will invest a lot more now and Christmas onwards,” Mr. Mead said, noting the mobile phone market has evolved. “The demographics has changed, way people buy mobile phones have changed.”

He added the company is banking on the good experience of consumers who have previously used Nokia phones. “Compared to the other phone brands, consumers never had a negative experience with Nokia so it is easy to reconnect with the brand.” — Carmencita A. Carillo









