Ericsson's 'X-Change' program

JAKARTA (JP): Cellular telephone producer Ericsson announced a new marketing strategy yesterday which allows customers to trade in their used Ericsson cellular phones for newer models to maintain their market in the country.

PT Ericsson Indonesia's president, Mats Olsson, said the "X- Change" program was the company's strategy to attract buyers and to grab the existing market during the slowdown in business.

The new program will begin tomorrow and last until June 18. Customers can trade in their cellular phones at certain Ericsson counters.

The program also coincides with yesterday's launching of Ericsson's new GF 788c model.

Olsson admitted that the market had slowed down because of the worsening economy, but said the company had to proceed with the launching of the new model.

"It is a difficult time we are facing, but if we have to launch it then we must do it," Olsson said. (das)