DHAKA: Huawei announced that it sold 138 million consumer devices in 2014, an increase of 7.8 percent on the previous year.

Smartphone shipments rose 45 percent to 75 million, and the company said it targets 100 million units in 2015.

Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei’s consumer business group, said the company’s strategy of focusing on mid-range and high-end devices was paying off with higher sales and market share and increased brand awareness.

Mid-tier and high-end phones contributed 18 percent of shipments last year, and Huawei expects more than 30 percent of devices shipped this year will be priced above CNY 2,000 (USD 320).

The company’s second brand Honor accounted for 20 million units shipped in 2014.

Huawei also benefited from expansion of its distribution channels in 2014. Open channels, including e-commerce, accounted for 41 percent of consumer revenue, and Huawei also had 630 of its own branded shops at year-end.

BDST: 1547 HRS, JAN 27, 2015