Strategy Analytics' latest quarterly mobile phone handset data is
released today. In spite of fears of a global recession unit sales were up 14% in Q108 v. the same period last year.
Even in a market as large as this (282 million units shipped in 3 months) the rate at which market shares can change is a warning to current leaders not to lose their focus. Motorola's problems are well documented, but to lose nearly 9 percentage points within 12 months is an indication of the malaise within the company. Its share is now 9.7%, having been nearly 22% as recently as 2006, and both LG and Sony Ericsson are within striking distance of Motorola's third position.
Samsung has also been a major beneficiary of Motorola's decline, and is now a clear no. 2 behind Nokia. The Finnish giant maintained its 40% share
attained in Q407, although its US performance remains an area of concern.
Client Reading:
Motorola, Sony Ericsson and Apple Lose Global Handset Marketshare in Q1 2008