Panasonic to launch Android phone in Europe

Panasonic has announced it will launch a smartphone in Europe in March 2012, saying it hopes to launch more phones worldwide using the gadget as a springboard.

The device features a 4.3-inch OLD screen, is waterproof and dustproof, with the company hoping to sell 1.5 units next year.

By 2016, the company says it hopes to be selling 15 million smartphones annually.

“Using this as a reference model, Panasonic will expand its lineup, aiming at sales of 1.5 million smartphones in Europe next fiscal year,” the company said in a statement.

“Furthermore, in fiscal year 2016, Panasonic targets global sales of 15 million units, including nine million in Europe, Asia, China and the United States and six million in Japan (of which five million are smartphones).”