Sony Ericsson reportedly outsources production of new handsets to Taiwan-based makers

Sony Ericsson is outsourcing the production of its four newly released entry-level handsets to two Taiwan OEMs – Arima Communications and Chi Mei Communication Systems (CMCS) – with total shipments from the two makers expected to reach 15-18 million units in 2008, according to sources in Taiwan's handset industry.

Arima will handle the production of Sony Ericsson's T270, T280 as well as R300 Radio, whereas CMCS will manufacture the R306 Radio, the sources noted. Sony Ericsson has announced that the T270 and T280 will be available in the first quarter of this year, followed by the R300 in the second quarter and the R306 in the third quarter.

Including the T270, 280, R300 and R306, Sony Ericsson is expected to launch a total of 5-6 entry-level handsets targeting emerging markets in 2008 with the company likely to outsource 1-2 more models to Arima and an additional model to CMCS during the year, the sources indicated.

Sony Ericsson purchased about 8.5 million handsets from Taiwan-based OEMs in 2007, according to an estimate of market sources.

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