LG Electronics Inc (LG) has announced that it is closing its struggling mobile business unit. The decision was approved by its board of directors yesterday.
The company said in a statement that the strategic decision to exit the “incredibly competitive” mobile phone sector would enable it to focus resources on growth areas such as electric vehicle components, connected devices, smart homes, robotics, artificial intelligence and business-to-business solutions, as well as platforms and services.
Current LG phone inventory will continue to be available for sale. The company said it will provide service support and software updates for customers of existing mobile products for a period of time which will vary by region.
“LG will work collaboratively with suppliers and business partners throughout the closure of the mobile phone business.” Details related to employment will be determined at the local level.
“Moving forward, LG will continue to leverage its mobile expertise and develop mobility-related technologies such as 6G to help further strengthen competitiveness in other business areas.”
Core technologies developed during the two decades of LG’s mobile business operations will also be retained and applied to existing and future products.
The wind down of the mobile phone business is expected to be completed by July 31 although inventory of some existing models may still be available after that. – GeekWire.co.za
