New Sharp 3G Handsets for Europe

Sharp Corp. said Friday that it will start selling later this month in Europe two new 3G models specifically designed for that market. The Osaka-based consumer electronics maker, known for its “Aquos” brand LCD TVs, will supply the new mobile phone handsets to Vodafone Group Plc, a Sharp spokesman said. He declined to comment on the price tag, which will reportedly be set in the EUR150 to EUR200 range, on par with similar cellphones sold in Europe.

The company’s foray into the European 3G market reflects its efforts to improve cost competitiveness, which has limited profits at Japanese makers’ overseas handset operations. For this fiscal year ending March 2006, Sharp is targeting a 10% rise in sales to 13 million handsets worldwide. Of that total, the company predicts overseas sales will make up 4.2 million handsets, up 13%. Continue>>