Nokia wins the European Quality Award 2000

The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) today announced Nokia Mobile Phones, Europe & Africa, this year's winner of the European Quality Award in the Large Business category. This was the first time Nokia applied for the award. The prestigious European Quality Awards distinguish and reward Europe's most outstanding organizations in the private and public sectors for excellence in operations and processes. All large businesses, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as public sector organizations can compete for this prestigious award. The award has been presented annually since 1992.

The award was presented by the Turkish minister of culture, Istemihan Talay, at the EFQM Forum in Istanbul today. The EFQM Forum is an annual event that brings well over 1,200 business leaders together from all over Europe and beyond to focus on a different key business theme each time. This year the event looked into the innovative issue of "Managing Diversity: A Bridge to Excellence."

"Receiving this respected award is further evidence that our processes are in good shape and we are on the right track. It is a reflection of the hard work of our employees over the years and our consistent commitment to customer satisfaction. We are very proud and grateful to receive this international recognition for our achievement, but we also recognize that quality is an ongoing effort and we need to continue working hard," said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Nokia Mobile Phones, Europe and Africa.

Contenders for the award were selected on the basis of a formal written application, which was assessed by a team of senior managers from prominent European companies. Based on our application, Nokia qualified for a site visit from the assessor team. During their one-week visit to 9 different Nokia sites, they met with approximately 500 employees.

This year's winners were chosen from a shortlist of 23 finalists representing different industries from 13 different countries. Winners were awarded for showing the highest level of commitment to improving their business practices and competitiveness. Nokia excelled in both areas, demonstrating excellent business results based on consistent improvement of processes. In previous years, companies such as Rank Xerox, Texas Instruments, TNT, BT Yellow Pages, and SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics have received the European Quality Award.

The European Foundation for Quality Management was established in 1988 with the support of the European Commission to promote outstanding performance in European organizations. Its mission is to be the driving force for sustainable excellence in organizations in Europe through the systematic identification and promotion of best business practice.

Nokia is paving the way to the Mobile Information Society with its innovative products and solutions. The company is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks, related services as well as multimedia terminals. In 1999, Nokia's net sales totaled EUR 19.8 billion (USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 60 000 people.

Further information:

Nokia Mobile Phones
Communications
Tel: +358 10 5051
www.nokia.com