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“One of our key focus areas is to bring 5G deep across our portfolio. Last year, we launched six 5G devices<\/a> in our portfolio and we have launched two exclusive models with a US carrier which were both aimed at the more affordable price point. This is allowing us to get the scale to now further expand in 2022, so you will see this as an important part of our portfolio this year,” HMD Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Florian Seiche told ET in an exclusive interaction.
HMD had last year partnered with Reliance Jio<\/a> to offer subsidies on four smartphone models. Seiche said that the company is “seeing a good momentum also on this and partnership with key operator partners like Jio is encouraging.”
“We see consumer finances becoming more and more important in different parts of the world to again help the customers move from their features to,” he said adding that the financing options allows consumers to buy quality devices.
He further added that HMD will focus “end to end” on how to further deepen its ability to source locally, produce locally and enter into go to market partnerships for the sales and marketing. “The Indian market is very competitive so we have to look at all the aspects of the process to bring the best value to the customers.”
The company has started exports of its ‘Made in India’ feature phone to UAE and is also evaluating smartphone exports from India.
“We have worked hard last year and started exports from India. Today, India is important for our local manufacturing strategy not just for domestic but for exports as well,” the top executive said.
The company is working with Lava International<\/a>, Dixon and Rising Star to locally manufacture feature phones and smartphones through factories in Noida, Uttar Pradesh and Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. HMD’s most of the smartphone portfolio is being manufactured by Lava and Dixon while Rising Star makes feature phones for the company.