Sonim Technologies announced today that it will embark on a partnership with Land Rover, which includes the launch of co-branded mobile phone products as well as an eco-friendly packaging. Land Rover, recognising adventurers’ desire for a full roster of mobile and durable products, engaged Sonim to become its licensing partner for a line of rugged cell phones that are designed to compliment the lifestyle of the outdoor adventurer.
Two co-branded phones will enter the market by mid-2009 – the Land Rover S1 by Sonim and Land Rover S2 G4 by Sonim. This will be followed later in the year by the launch of a third Land Rover phone. Sonim and Land Rover will co-market the phones to top operators, mobile retailers and consumers in a staggering 40 countries.
“In less than two years, Sonim has set the bar for engineering best-in-class rugged mobile phones for people who work and play in extreme environments,” said Bob Plaschke, Sonim’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted to be partnering with Land Rover on this range of rugged mobile phones.”
“Land Rover recognises that our customers’ needs extend beyond the driver’s seat,” added Lindsay Weaver, Land Rover Global Licensing Manager. “Sonim and Land Rover are ideal partners in this effort, as both companies thrive on ingenuity, craftsmanship and durability.”
Land Rover and Sonim share a brand spirit: products fit for purpose. The Land Rover phones will be submersible, Bluetooth-compliant and certified to withstand salt, fog, humidity, transport and thermal shock and a 1.6-metre drop to concrete from any angle. To deliver further against Sonim and Land Rover’s distinctive marketplace proposition, the partners engaged iconic designer Scott Wilson, to develop the product lines.
As a natural extension of Sonim and Land Rover’s commitment to sustainability, the phones packaging forms a long-lasting re-useable rugged water resistant protective case. This is made from XENOY, a revolutionary post-consumer plastic derived mostly from used plastic bottles and film.
Bob Plaschke commented: “We are thrilled about the opportunity to further connect with global adventurers through our durable phones and our truly breakthrough form of packaging.”
Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true ‘breadth of capability’ across the model range. Defender, Freelander 2, Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover each define the world’s 4×4 sectors, with 78% of this model range exported to 164 countries. Land Rover employs 8,500 people and supports a further 40,000 jobs in the supply chain.
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