InsideJapan News Network
Tuesday,
10th
February
2009
In Business In Japan,
In Business In Japan,
Mobiles phone sales fall for first time in four years
The number of new mobile phones sold in Japan fell in 2008 for the first time in four years, new figures have shown.
Data from the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association found that around 40 million units were sold, down 18.6 per cent on the previous year, reports the Mainichi Daily News.
Sales were affected as manufacturers reduced incentive subsidies to retail outlets, forcing stores to increase the price of handsets.
In 2003, a record 50 million units were sold in Japan as manufacturers released new models with new, technologically advanced features, reports Kyodo News.
Last month, it was reported that the Finnish-owned luxury mobile phone brand Vernu is to launch its mobile services in Japan.
Tagore Ramoutar, Vertu's director of business development for Japan and Korea, commented: "Meeting the needs of customers in this segment requires a specialised approach. Vertu users the world over are discerning individuals who are willing to pay a premium for the right experience."
Related news stories:
Bank of Japan to 'sit tight' on interest rates (3rd September 2008)
Japanese workers take just 8 days off a year (3rd September 2008)
Japanese firms team up on mobile technology (26th April 2010)
North Asia "light years ahead" in mobile sector (8th September 2009)
Japanese mobile firm creates wooden handset (25th September 2009)
Data from the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association found that around 40 million units were sold, down 18.6 per cent on the previous year, reports the Mainichi Daily News.
Sales were affected as manufacturers reduced incentive subsidies to retail outlets, forcing stores to increase the price of handsets.
In 2003, a record 50 million units were sold in Japan as manufacturers released new models with new, technologically advanced features, reports Kyodo News.
Last month, it was reported that the Finnish-owned luxury mobile phone brand Vernu is to launch its mobile services in Japan.
Tagore Ramoutar, Vertu's director of business development for Japan and Korea, commented: "Meeting the needs of customers in this segment requires a specialised approach. Vertu users the world over are discerning individuals who are willing to pay a premium for the right experience."
Related news stories:
Bank of Japan to 'sit tight' on interest rates (3rd September 2008)
Japanese workers take just 8 days off a year (3rd September 2008)
Japanese firms team up on mobile technology (26th April 2010)
North Asia "light years ahead" in mobile sector (8th September 2009)
Japanese mobile firm creates wooden handset (25th September 2009)
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