Higher estimates for this year are due to the rising local telecom market, and depend on sales HAT Group Romania forecasts for the end of 2007, according to the company’s Market Manager, Doru Oraselu. “In the telecom industry, the fourth quarter makes up an important percentage of total sales. The autumn-winter season can mean up to 40 percent of the entire year’s sales,” he said.
In the first half of 2007, HAT Group Romania posted $32.5 million (€23.29 million) in turnover, boosted by both the rising market and several new products in its portfolio, Oraselu explained. He added the company’s portfolio, offering both premium and middle and low-end terminals, also contributed to the higher sales. HAT Group Romania sold more than 520,000 phones in 2006 and H1 2007, according to a company press release. For the first half of 2007, best sellers were premium models such as Samsung U600, U100 and F300, as well as cheaper models X510, C300 and E250.
“Romania is a market with strong price conditioning. Main players come from the low and ultra low-end segment, meaning very cheap phones, while Samsung targets another market segment,” Oraselu said. By the end of the year, 15 new products are to be included in the portfolio. “The new phones are to be launched gradually by the end of November. Prices will range from [ROL] 1-2 to 11-12 million,” Oraselu said. The first phones will be launched in two weeks, he added.
