French mobile phone maker Wiko Mobile entered the Nigerian phone market officially October 22 offering 10 models from its extensive range of smart phones and feature phones.
Wiko Mobile debuted in Nigeria at a formal Media Launch event at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos. It held a separate Business evening for the trade and other stakeholders latter in the evening.
International Business Director of Wiko Mobile, Marcel Van De Pas, said Wiko launched in Nigeria because the brand positioning represents a perfect match with Nigeria’s predominantly young population as well as the appeal of the Nigerian market.
He noted that smart phones account for 20 percent or 400, 000 units of the estimated 2million monthly mobile device market in Nigeria. Wiko would stake a strong claim for its share of that market drawing on its experience in France where it became Number 2 in only three years. GFK Institute, an authority in the telecoms market, named Wiko Europe’s fastest growing mobile phone brand in 2013.
Models of the Wiko brand launched into the Nigerian market are Highway, its flagship, Rainbow, Bloom, Lenny. Sunset and Goa, all smart phones. The feature phones are Kir-3, Riff and Lubi-3.
Flagship model Wiko Highway is one of the first smartphones to use 2.0 GHz Octa-Core technology. The Highway’s exceptional features include a Gorilla Glass body, super bright 5” FHD screen, 16MP back camera and 8MP front camera. A smartphone that guarantees superior speed and performance, Wiko says the Highway is one of the best-in-class smartphones available in Nigeria.
Wiko Mobile comes with the tagline, “My life my rules”, a message that appeals to the free-spirited, passionate, adventurous and independent nature of today’s youth.
According to the Business Director, the company’s target audience is known as the Wiko Generation and you can identify them by the following four qualities:
They know what they want. They are not fooled easily.
They want value for their money.
They have spirit of independence and a capacity to take control
What matters most to them is living life to the fullest.
Wiko, the No. 2 smartphone vendor in France*, is distinguished by its range of high-tech, high performance and attractively designed products. In just three years, Wiko has become a leader in the mobile phone market through strong partnerships with retailers and consumer enthusiasm. Two million users later, Wiko’s popularity continues to rise in Europe and it exports its expertise to other continents.
The RAINBOW confirms the phenomenal success of the brand. In France, this 5” smartphone launched in May 2014, became the No.1 phone sold online in June 2014 (source: GfK)
Wiko Mobile already has presence in 19 countries including Nigeria. It is the second best selling brand in France with a market share of 13. 3 per cent traditional sales and 22.6 per cent online sales second only to Samsung.
