Bangalore: Sony is aiming at the third position in world’s Smartphone market behind Apple and Samsung, the head of Sony's mobile business, Kunimasa Suzuki said. The company will be contending with the rivals like Chinese handset manufacturers Huawei Technology, ZTE, and also with Motorola, who are aiming same, reports The Register.

The Japanese firm has no illusions of being able to knock Apple or Samsung out of the top two spots, but it's hoping to at least get onto the podium for a bronze medal, Kunimasa Suzuki told reporters in Tokyo, according to Reuters.

According to Suzuki, the company will alter Smartphone development for each of the world markets, and so it may produce cheaper and mid range phones for the developing countries. 

When the fourth quarter ended on December 31, Sony was ranked fourth in the global smartphone market by research company IDC with a 4.5 per cent market share, behind Huawei with 4.9 per cent and ahead of ZTE with 4.3 per cent.

In the process Sony is hoping to its acquisition of Ericsson's stake of their joint venture in 2011 will help propel it up the ranking with Sony-only branded mobiles like the Xperia.

The Japanese electronics giant is also on a mission to regain at least some of its previous high standing in electronics by focusing on mobile devices and revamping and streamlining the rest of its biz.

"Sony has identified certain assets for possible sale as part of an initiative to transform its business portfolio and reorganize its assets. This sale was conducted as a part of that initiative," the firm said.

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