Vodafone Group and Sagem Communication (SAFRAN Group) today announce the signing of an agreement to produce a Vodafone-only branded mobile handset for sale across Vodafone markets. This handset is scheduled for release by June 2007.
The agreement is an extension of Vodafone’s Original Design Manufacturers’ strategy. Given that design plays an essential role in the customer’s eyes, the handset at the backbone of this new agreement will be extra-slim, embedding all the main GSM features plus an eye-catching 65K-colour screen.
Vodafone has stated that it intends to use the international recognition of its brand to help to leverage the production of a series of high-quality, competitively priced handsets which will only carry the Vodafone name, and the Sagem Communication agreement is a further extension of the delivery of this extensive Vodafone-branded range.
Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Director of Terminals at Vodafone added:
“Vodafone’s Original Design Manufacturers’ strategy is intended to use Vodafone’s size and purchasing power to engage with the best white label handset makers and then use the power of the Vodafone brand to bring their products to market. We are pleased that we have signed this agreement with Sagem Communication which will build on their experience in European markets to create for us a high quality and affordable handset for sale across Vodafone’s markets.”
Thierry Buffenoir, deputy CEO of Sagem Communication, stated that “the deal signed with Vodafone is proof of our ability to deploy core expertise and offer our partners tailor-made solutions. Designing and producing handsets to be marketed under other brand names than our own is one of the key pillars in Sagem Communication’s business strategy for 2007. We’re delighted to kick-start this new business area by releasing a quality product inspired by the latest trends and that will offer consumers something they’ve always dreamed of.”