Nokia Plans 40 New Handsets In 2004

Top mobile phone maker Nokia expects to launch around the same number of handsets this year as it did last, Chief Executive Jorma Ollila said on Thursday.

“Nokia launched a record 40 new mobile devices last year, and we expect to launch a similar number in 2004,” Ollila told the annual general meeting, according to a statement from Nokia.

The Finnish company only launched one new phone and a number of accessories at this month’s CeBIT technology fair in Germany, disappointing some investors as its phone offering fell short of those announced by its rivals.

So far this year Nokia has launched seven handsets, including its first high-resolution camera phone.

“The announcement on phone launches could be a response to market feelings after the CeBIT, that too few phones have been launched,” said FIM Securities analyst Jussi Hyoty, who has a “buy” recommendation for Nokia shares.

Read more at Reuters