Huawei lays down gauntlet

Just a few weeks after announcing a deal with local distributor Simm’s, Huawei has laid down the gauntlet in the New Zealand market.

Showcasing its newest Andriod-powered smartphones and devices at an event on Auckland’s waterfront, Huawei announced it is the company’s intention to be one of the top five handset vendors worldwide by 2013.

Mark Treadwell, Huawei Devices Australasia’s head of marketing, says the brand’s focus is on technology that is innovative but also affordable.

"The products showcased today demonstrate Huawei’s commitment to providing New Zealand consumers with innovative yet affordable devices,” Treadwell says, "without compromising on style, features or specs.”

In addition to a range of Android-powered smartphones, Huawei displayed its new Mediapad, saying it is the world’s first 7-inch Android 3.2 Honeycomb dual-core tablet.

"We are currently in discussion with our customers and partners on ranging and timing,” Treadwell says, "and look forward to seeing these new products being made available.”

Huawei employs more than 70 staff in New Zealand, supplying equipment to Telecom, Vodafone and 2 Degrees.

Image: Huawei executive Alan Wong with the new MediaPad.