As rumours suggested, Panasonic today announced that it plans to reenter the global smartphone market in 2012. It will first return to the European market in March 2012, using it “as a stepping stone to the global market.” It expects to grow global sales to 15 million, with 9 million coming from operations in Europe, Asia, China, and the United States.
Panasonic also shed some light on its first global model smartphone. This new device will sport a slim “D-shaped design” with a 4.3-inch qHD OLED display. It will also be waterproof and dustproof. Rumours add that it will be powered by Google Android.
Panasonic has yet to shed light on timelines for expansion outside of Europe.