Sony Ericsson says cautious on economy

By Tarmo Virki

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Sony Ericsson (6758.T) (ERICb.ST) is cautious about the impact of a possible global economic slowdown on the cell phone market, a senior company official said on Sunday.

"It's prudent to be a bit cautious about the next 12 months," Anders Runevald, Sony Ericsson's head of sales, told Reuters in an interview.

Sony Ericsson -- known for its more expensive camera and music phones -- has introduced cheaper models in the last few years. Runevald said the company would continue to introduce cheaper models at a careful pace.

Currently its cheapest model retails for about 50 euros ($73), while phones for less than 30 euros are the fastest-growing part of the global cell phone market.

"We definitely plan to look at next steps," Runevald said.

Sony Ericsson unveiled earlier on Sunday seven new phones, including a high-end model running Microsoft Corp's (MSFT.O) Windows Mobile software, raising questions among some analysts over Sony Ericsson's commitment to its half-owned software platform UIQ. Two of the new phones still run on UIQ.

"We will continue. We are as committed as before," Runevald said. "With introducing two new models it's clear we will continue our investment."

(Editing by Braden Reddall)

($1=.6900 Euro)