September 19, 2004
Rich Asians snapping up world's most expensive mobile phones
Despite their hefty price and relatively limited functions (no camera function), Nokia's expensive Vertu phones, are becoming sought-after status symbols in Asia, reports Channel News Asia
"Self-made millionaires, celebrities, high-flying professionals and ladies who lunch are flashing Vertus made of precious metals, ceramic and leather at one another in Asia's corporate boardrooms and country clubs.
Vertu, which started selling its phones in Asia two years ago, refused to disclose sales figures as a matter of policy but a senior executive claimed sales are doubling every six months.
The most avid buyers in Asia are mainland and Hong Kong Chinese, Indonesians and Singaporeans.
The flagship Vertu model is a platinum-cased Signature model, costing $ 32,000 dollars. The yellow gold version costs 18,500 dollars.
Owners have access to a 24-hour Vertu Concierge hotline activated by a button on the phone. The service is manned by "lifestyle experts" who assist customers with travel, dining, shopping and other needs, like finding tickets to a sold-out show or a good plumber.
"We can find an English-speaking doctor in Beijing, if there is one there," said Lim."
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