Korean manufacturer LG Electronics Inc. takes on the mobile giants with the launch of its LG Black Label series.

LG is globally recognized as a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications. But in the Philippines, 2008 marks LG’s official entry in the Philippine mobile-phone market, said Jon Santico, the company’s mobile communications head.

“We are the new kid on the block in the Philippines and we plan to make a big impact in the local market starting this year. Officially, LG entered the Philippine market this year,” he said in an interview after the launch of its newest handset the LG Secret.             

Officials yesterday said LG wants to be among the top three preferred mobile-phone brands in the Philippines.

“We are not saying that we will be number one this year. Probably, in the next two to three years we will be among the top three players in the local market,” added Santico.

The market is currently dominated by Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and Samsung. “It is a difficult competition but we plan to make a significant impact here with the various LG handsets that cater to various marketing segments. This year, we will introduce 12 more handsets. This will enhance our presence in the local industry,” said the LG official. LG’s first two Black Label Series—LG Chocolate and LG Shine—sold over 25 million units around the world.

LG Secret, said Santico, will be retailed for P24,000. “This handset is for stylish premium seekers. This was developed to satisfy the tastes of trendsetters who desire a sophisticated design with an enduring elegance,” he added.

An official of LG Electronics Mobile Communications company, a unit of LG Electronics, said the introduction of LG Black Label Series will continue to raise the company’s position as a premium brand in the Asia-Pacific region in the second half of 2008, according to its president and chief executive officer, Skott Ahn.

LG had also showcased its mobile TV handset to the Asian market but Santico said the unit has yet to be officially launched in the Philippines.

At present, LG is in talks with mobile-phone operators and by the end of this year the company expects to clinch a deal with major phone firms such as Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom. “The support is there. There is an intention to partner with us for the mobile TV handset. But nothing solid has been discussed. Possibly by year-end there could be an agreement,” added Santico.

The LG-HB620T is the world’s first DVB-T (Terrestrial) mobile TV phone that allows users to watch DVB-T digital broadcasts.

LG takes on mobile-phone giants

Korean manufacturer LG Electronics Inc. takes on the mobile giants with the launch of its LG Black Label series.

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