LG Electronics, the world's fourth-largest mobile phone maker, said Wednesday it plans to launch its latest premium handset model in Central and South America.

The Korean company said it plans to hold a launching ceremony of its LG-KF755 model, nicknamed the "Secret," in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Thursday.

The 11.8 millimeter-thin handset with a built-in 5-megapixel camera made its overseas debut in Europe in late May, where it sold 200,000 units in just two weeks, according to LG. It will be sold through various mobile carriers in the region, including Vivo, Claro of Brazil and Movistar in Venezuela.

Sales of LG Electronics handsets in Central and South America have posted 70-percent-and-above growth in the past few years, thanks to the strong popularity of its "Black Label," "Chocolate," and "Shine" models released between 2006 and 2007, according to LG.

"With the release of the Secret, we plan to push ourselves to become the best brand in the region," Byun Kyung-hoon, vice president of LG's Central and South American division, said.

LG Electronics took Sony Ericsson's place as the world's fourth-largest handset maker in the first quarter after Nokia, Samsung Electronics and Motorola.

Source: Telecoms Korea