HMD Global starts production of Nokia mobiles in Europe
3.10.2023
Translation: machine translated
Nokia mobiles will come from Europe again in future. HMD Global has built a new factory in Hungary for this purpose. The first model is aimed at business customers.
With few exceptions, smartphones are built in Asia. Only Gigaset operates a few production lines in Germany - but their future is very uncertain. The manufacturer had to file for insolvency a few weeks ago.
The Nokia XR21 is now being built in Hungary
HMD Global is doing much better. The "largest smartphone manufacturer in Europe" now wants to produce more of its Nokia phones in Europe again. To this end, the Finnish company has opened a factory in Hungary, where the first model is now rolling off the production line.
Source: Nokia
The first device is the Nokia XR21, the robust 5G smartphone that has also been available in our shop since May. However, most customers will still only be able to buy the models produced in Asia. This is because the XR21s produced in Europe are initially intended for business customers.
Only a special edition of 900 units will also be available to private customers via Nokia's online shop. It will be available in Germany, the UK, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Finland - but not in Switzerland.
50 euro surcharge for production in Europe
The exciting thing is that the "European surcharge" can be quantified. Previously, the XR21 cost 599 euros directly from Nokia. The European Edition for business customers costs 649 euros. The Limited Edition for public sale comes in a special colour (Frosted Platinum), has an engraved serial number and is supplied with a certificate.
HMD Global is also responding to the requirements of major customers with European production. The smartphones undergo software and malware tests in Hungary. Data is also stored in the EU. Additional certifications are possible in collaboration with IT security partners - depending on the requirements of the corporate customers.
Source: Nokia
At Digitec's request, HMD Global confirmed that this is just the beginning. Although the production sites in Asia will not be completely replaced, the models sold in Europe will also increasingly be produced here. The Finnish manufacturer is also considering labelling the devices produced in the new factory. "Made in Europe" or "Made in Hungary" are two options being discussed.
Would you be willing to pay 10 per cent more for a smartphone made in Europe? Let me know in the comments.
Cover photo: Nokia
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.
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