HMD also known as “HMD Global”, the Finnish company known for its stewardship of Nokia-branded smartphones, is embarking on a new journey to start manufacturing its original HMD brand. Jean-Francois Baril, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of HMD Global, made this exciting announcement on his LinkedIn page.
Baril expressed his enthusiasm about this significant milestone in HMD’s evolution. The company’s future holds a fresh portfolio of HMD-branded mobile devices, along with the continued presence of Nokia devices. Additionally, Baril hinted at forthcoming collaborations with exciting new partners.
The move comes against the backdrop of Nokia’s tumultuous history in the smartphone industry. Nokia, once a titan in the mobile phone arena, experienced a dramatic decline in the smartphone market over the past decade. This decline was marked by a series of strategic missteps, including a slow response to the rise of touchscreen smartphones and the adoption of the Android operating system by competitors.
However, HMD Global emerged as a ray of hope for the Nokia brand in 2016 when Microsoft relinquished its rights to the Nokia name. While the Nokia-branded devices produced by HMD have largely sat in the budget-to-mid-tier category, the company has found success in other areas, such as sustainability and repairability.
Now, with the establishment of its original HMD brand, HMD Global aims to recover and redefine its position in the smartphone market. Baril emphasized HMD’s commitment to designing technology that aligns with a more sustainable and affordable future for consumers. The company’s focus remains on crafting user-centric technology that anticipates people’s needs.
In his LinkedIn post, Baril extended heartfelt gratitude to employees, consumers, partners, and investors for their unwavering support throughout HMD’s journey. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the company in 2022 due to the ongoing pandemic’s impact on global supply chains and economic instability. Despite these obstacles, HMD Global responded swiftly, underwent restructuring, and is now witnessing positive momentum in 2023.
HMD Global’s extensive worldwide distribution network, robust in-house software and R&D capabilities, comprehensive enterprise solutions portfolio, scalable e-commerce platform, and a team of seasoned industry professionals provide a strong foundation for its ambitions. As one of Europe’s largest mobile phone companies, HMD is well-positioned to make an impact.
The commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable mobile devices to consumers worldwide remains at the forefront of HMD’s mission. The company is excited about its future, which involves designing innovative products that endure, reducing electronic waste, extending the lifespan of mobile devices, and making a positive impact on the planet.
As HMD Global forges ahead with its original HMD brand, the tech world eagerly awaits the unveiling of its new mobile devices and the transformative impact they may have on the industry. With the lessons learned from Nokia’s downfall, HMD Global is determined to write a new chapter in the history of mobile technology and recovery.
Is HMD Global putting an end to Nokia?
The answer is No. The CEO said, “Our new multi-brand strategy will include an HMD original range as well as Nokia and other partners”.
What I can extract from that is that there will be Nokia phones, HMD-branded phones, and some phones powered by some HMD technologies. For instance, Xiaomi has the Mi, Redmi, and Poco product lines.
If that is the case, then the HMD phones are going to be the top-tier (Flagship) of the company.
Can HMD Global manufacture its own Phones?
A user asked on the LinkedIn post. Here is what the CEO said:
As you know we are one of the largest mobile phone companies in Europe with already global manufacturing footprint. Even more, we will be pioneering manufacturing in Europe in 2023. So stay tuned, you will be hearing very soon about our launch.
He said 2023, I’m guessing he meant 2024 because we only have a few months to close this year already.
Some users say HMD should focus on finding Nokia’s lost glory instead of planning to venture to another brand. But as I mentioned earlier, the company may be trying to be like Xiaomi with different brands – Mi as the flagship, Redmi as the mid-range, and Poco as budget budget-friendly brand.
If not that, then I’m eager to see what HMD is planning.
