According to The NPD Group, the leader in market information for the wireless industry, mobile phone sales to consumers in the U.S. reached 31.6 million units in the third quarter of 2005. This number represents solid incremental growth of seven percent from the second quarter 2005 sales volume of 29.6 million units and an increase of more than 30 percent compared to sales during the same period in 2004. NPD estimates total third quarter 2005 consumer sales of slightly more than $2 billion.

Motorola RAZR V3 More Photos Read Review View Specs

Nokia 6010 View Specs

Motorola V551 More Photos Read Review View Specs

LG VX6100 More Photos Read Review View Specs

Motorola V180 More Photos View Specs

"The handset market was very robust in the third quarter," said Neil Strother, research director for mobile devices at The NPD Group. "These numbers reflect strong replacement demand among consumers, coupled with more limited growth from new subscribers."

According to NPD's Mobile Phone Track, Motorola continued its leadership in the U.S. market during the third quarter, boasting three of the top five best-selling models, including its popular RAZR device at Cingular Wireless and T-Mobile. During the third quarter, Motorola's demonstrated strength was due in part to a significant gain in share within the Verizon Wireless handset portfolio. The battle continues to be intense among LG, Nokia, and Samsung for the number two market position.

NPD reports that manufacturers' third quarter 2005 unit sales and market shares were as follows:

Company - 3Q 2005 Unit Sales (in thousands) - 3Q 2005 Market Share

Motorola - 9,458 - 30%
LG - 5,077 - 16%
Nokia - 5,032 - 16%
Samsung - 4,883 - 16%
Sanyo - 1,522 - 5%
Kyocera - 1,378 - 4%
Sony Ericsson - 1,150 - 4%
UTStarcom/Audiovox - 952 - 3%
Siemens/BenQ - 506 - 2%
Others - 1,625 - 5%
Total - 31,583 - 100%

The top-selling handset models during third quarter 2005 were the following:

1. Motorola RAZR V3
2. Nokia 6010
3. Motorola V551
4. LG VX6100
5. Motorola V180

In the GSM market, Motorola had the leading share with 39 percent, followed by Nokia with 22 percent and Samsung with 14 percent. During third quarter, LG was the leader in CDMA handsets with a 27 percent market share, with Samsung and Motorola tied in second place at 18 percent.