BANGALORE: Chinese manufacturer, Vivo sold more smartphones in China and emerged as the sixth largest smartphone company in China, as Apple dropped to the seventh position in the world’s largest smartphone market, reports Business Standard.

It will establish its manufacturing unit in India, over the next three years, and will bring about four-five models in India in the first year with a price range between Rs 7,000 and Rs 40,000.

Jacky Liao, director of Vivo Mobile India said, “Vivo was launched in China in 2011 and we started entering the other markets only this year. We will bring four-five models in India in the first year with a price range between Rs 7,000 to Rs 40,000. Of the first lot, at least three will be priced above Rs 20,000.”

In India, it has signed deals with 20 distributors in 20 states and the number will go up to 25 by the next year. Besides India, Vivo has also entered Thailand, Indonesia, Malyasia, and Myanmar. The firm has also entered into a partnership with Viacom18 Integrated Network Solutions, which will supply marketing and communications support for building brand Vivo in India and other markets.

Sudhanshu Vats, group chief executive officer of Viacom18 Media said, “The collaboration opens new avenues for media conglomerates to go beyond the perception of being a mere vehicle for advertisement. With a network like ours—with multi-screen, multi-platform, multi-regional presence - that caters to Vivo’s core TG of 18 to 34, we make for an ideal partner to provide complete brand solutions.”

The involvement between Vivo and Viacom18 will be broadcasted in the youth, music, and comedy genres with brands such as MTV, Vh1, Comedy Central, and Colors. 

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