The first major smartphone manufacturer to produce products in Europe is HMD Global, the licensee of Nokia-branded handsets. Its first 5G model, built in Hungary and marketed at customers concerned with data security, is currently available for purchase.
The Nokia XR21, our iconic rugged 5G smartphone, will be produced in Europe, and we couldn’t be happier about it, said Jean-Francois Baril, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of HMD Global.
“We are committed to making investments in security, technology, and manufacturing processes that increase the security and durability of our devices.”
Before HMD established its operations in Hungary, Europe lacked a significant smartphone manufacturing industry because major corporations like Apple and Samsung produced their devices in Asia to reduce costs.
The first European model, according to HMD, was created for business customers, some of whom had asked for more security in collaboration with their IT security partners.
The company has servers in Finland that have been processing and holding consumer and corporate data from all of its handsets since 2019. The company has already stored data in the European Union.
In order to produce Nokia-branded smartphones and tablets, the business signed an exclusive 10-year licensing agreement with Nokia Oyj (NOKIA.HE), the former world’s largest phone manufacturer.
It said in March that it would begin manufacturing in the European Union, encouraging businesses to establish production in important industries like semiconductors.
According to the business, the Nokia XR21 European variant starts at 649 euros, or 549 pounds.
According to the corporation, a limited edition of 30 frosted platinum units from the European production line will start selling for 699 euros or 599 pounds on the internet.
Tanuj Patro was previously named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for India and Asia Pacific area by HMD Global, the manufacturer of Nokia branded phones, the firm announced on Thursday. According to a statement from HMD Global, he will collaborate closely with the leadership team to drive financial performance, operational efficiency, and promote the company’s objective of bringing people together through cutting-edge mobile technology.
Patro, a chartered accountant with 20 years of financial experience, has previously worked for Microsoft, Nokia, LG, E&Y, and Paytm. He has reportedly also worked the Malaysian, South African, and East African markets.
The U.S. government had placed limitations on the use of Huawei equipment in the nation and barred the business from using specific U.S. technological advancements. Additionally, U.S. officials have actively urged allies to forbid Huawei from selling its products in Europe, the company’s biggest market outside of China.
