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Luxury phones still ring loudMar 02, 2009 (Bangkok Post - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Vertu, the luxury handcrafted mobile phone company, remains optimistic about growth in the immediate future and projects higher sales this year despite the prevailing economic climate. The UK-based manufacturer and retailer of super-premium mobile phones, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Finnish phone maker Nokia, has more than doubled its global sales over six years. Linus Kee, Vertu's head of sales in Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific, said the company expected much higher growth this year, thanks to high demand among affluent consumers. Since launching two models in the last two months, Vertu is currently unable to meet demand due to a buildup of orders and the time-consuming manufacturing process, he said. Vertu appointed Everest World Co as its exclusive importer and distributor in Thailand in December under a five-year deal. Everest World replaces Master Phone Co, which was founded by Panthongtae Shinawatra, the son of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Everest World imports and distributes luxury products including clothes, leather goods, timepieces and high-end audio systems. "We are moving aggressively to promote our products in the growing Thai upscale market this year as we realise the potential for luxury products here," Mr Kee said. "We expect high growth in the Kingdom this year." He said Vertu planned to expand into jewellery and watch retailing to extend its reach in luxury products. The company last week launched two collections in Thailand, with four models that expand the total range to nine. The first collection includes Vertu Signature, priced at 1.186 million and 431,000 baht; and Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero, priced at 386,000 and 329,300 baht. Rattaroj Sirikachaporn, assistant to the CEO of Everest World, said the company aimed to sell at least 200 units this year. Its luxury product sales had been affected only slightly by the downturn and that Vertu was expected to ensure a good performance this year. To see more of the Bangkok Post, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.bangkokpost.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Bangkok Post, Thailand Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |