According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, China’s Huawei retained its number three position worldwide in 2013. Huawei recorded the highest year-on-year increase among the leading vendors at 67.5%, capturing 4.9% marketshare in 2013 with shipments of 48.8 million units.
Overall, global smartphone shipments increased 38% in 2013, with over one billion smartphones shipped to consumer hands. Huawei shipped a total of 55.5 million mobile phone units in 2013, ranking number five with 3% global market share.
Huawei attributes its success to its strategy of focusing on flagship products to build its brand globally. Having launched its products in over 140 countries through 600 channel vendors globally, the growing brand has reached more than 80% of retail markets in China, Russia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and South Africa. Total sales revenue in 2013 was US$9 billion, an increase of 18% year-on-year.
Smartphones continue to dominate over feature phones, accounting for 87% of its product line in 2013, out of which were mid-to-high end phones priced over US$250. Its critically-acclaimed flagship, the Huawei Ascend P6 surpassed three million unit shipments since its launch in June 2013.
In its efforts to build its brand globally, Huawei embarked on a series of brand-building initiatives worldwide via its ‘Make it Possible’ campaign. One of the activities include sponsorship of leading football organisations like Liga de Futbol Professional (LFP) in Spain, as well as high-profile football teams AC Milan in Italy and Borussia Dortmund in Germany.
At the recent 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Huawei launched the Huawei Ascend Mate2 4G and also showcased a full range of 4G LTE devices.
Image credit: PhoneArena.com
