Ahn Seung-kwon, chief director of LG Electronics' mobile phone division, told a press conference on Tuesday that thanks to strong sales of the Chocolate and Shine phones, the company's handset sales are expected to top its goal of 80 million units this year.

"Since sales of new products such as the Prada phone are also smooth, we expect next year's mobile phone sales to increase by more than 25 percent," Ahn said.

Among the world's mobile phone markers, only four boast annual sales of more than 100 million units -- market leader Nokia with 430 million, Samsung Electronics with 160 million, Motorola with 160 million and Sony Ericsson with 100 million.

That means LG Electronics, which is number five in the market, will have to slug it out with Sony Ericsson for fourth place.

LG Electronics plans to expand its share in the high-end market with cutting-edge technology phones following design-focused products such as the Chocolate, Shine and Prada phones that were so popular this year.

Ahn also introduced the company's latest phone at the press conference. The Beauty phone has been designed to enhance LG's brand image, and it features a 5-megapixel camera with an anti-shake function.

(englishnews@chosun.com )