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Nokia Mobile Phones Japan changes company name to Nokia Mobile Communications
February 23, 1998
Business expansion leads to new name for Nokia in Japan
Nokia Mobile Phones (Japan) K.K. announced today that its company name has officially been changed to Nokia Mobile Communications K.K., effective January 1, 1998. This change reflects the company's expanded scope of business operations. In addition to mobile phone terminal sales, Nokia will also sell infrastructure products and services for the next generation of technology.
Nokia Mobile Phones (Japan) K.K. was established in 1993 as a joint venture between Nokia and Mitsui & Co. In Japan, Nokia has supplied digital mobile phone terminals in the market through major operators since 1994. In 1995, an R&D center was founded in Tokyo, emphasizing Nokia's commitment to developing products tailored to Japanese customers. In 1997, Nokia was one of the companies selected by NTT Mobile Communications Network Inc. (NTT DoCoMo) to participate in the development of the future 3rd generation technology. Nokia is actively participating in the development of the new technology and has strongly supported harmonization between Japan and Europe, resulting in a common third generation system for Asia and Europe.
Yasuharu Sekiguchi, chairman of the former joint venture, Nokia Mobile Phones (Japan) K.K., remains as the chairman of the new company, Nokia Mobile Communications K.K., while Olav Stang, the president of the former company, will remain president of the new company.
"This change of the company name represents Nokia's increased commitment to the Japanese market with infrastructure products and services," commented Olav Stang, President of Nokia Mobile Communications K.K. "Our goal is to meet growing demands of end-users by providing them with a broader range of new services involving integrated network infrastructure and terminals," added Stang.
Nokia also has another company in Japan, Nokia Japan K.K. (founded in 1987), which is responsible for R&D activities and sourcing. Suegoro (Steve) Kambara, former president of Nokia Japan KK. has been appointed chairman. Olav Stang will hold the position of president of Nokia Japan K.K. concurrently.
Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is a broad-scope telecommunications company supplying mobile phones, mobile and fixed telecommunications networks, data communications solutions, multimedia terminals and PC monitors. With sales in 130 countries, net sales totaled FIM 52.6 billion, ($9.8 billion) in 1997. Nokia employs more than 36,000 people worldwide.
For further information, please contact:
Mr Olav Stang
President
Ms Shoko Ueno
Communications Manager
Nokia Mobile Communications K.K.
Phone: +81 3 3597 0200
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