Samsung aims to boost U.S. cellphone market share

LAS VEGAS, March 31 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co., the world's
second-largest maker of cellphones, is aiming to cement its leading position in
the U.S. mobile phone market this year, a company executive said Tuesday.
Unseating Motorola Inc., Samsung Electronics emerged as the top seller of mobile
phones in the U.S. in the second half of 2008, with its market share reaching
21.9 percent in the third quarter and 23.7 percent in the fourth quarter.
"We will try to achieve a market share of 25 percent in the U.S. this year,
though the market is contracting amid a recession," Shin Jong-kyun, vice
president for Samsung Electronics' mobile communication unit, said at an
international cellphone convention.
"Within this year, nearly one out of two Americans may be using cellphones made
by South Korean manufacturers," he said.
Market watchers predict the combined U.S. market share of Samsung Electronics and
LG Electronics Inc. will surpass 45 percent in 2009.
Samsung Electronics has been increasing its market presence in the U.S. by
targeting the premium phone category, including instant messaging phones and full
touchscreen phones.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
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