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Sony Ericsson is cutting a fifth of its handset range after announcing its first quarterly net loss in more than five years according to Electric Pig. It blamed losses on consumers buying fewer handsets. But is James Bond really to blame?

The company is already slashing 2,000 jobs in a cost-cutting programme, which may now be increased. And its three handset development divisions are being rolled into one.

But followers of the world’s fifth largest mobile phone manufacturer must be asking themselves whether Sony Ericsson has been foolish in betting the farm on Bond. As part of Sony’s presumably pricey product placement deal, no fewer than seven of its handsets appear in Quantum of Solace. Money well spent or a kick in the teeth for those 2,000 workers?

Want a heads-up on which Sony Ericsson handsets are least likely to get the chop? Look no further than your local multiplex (from 31st October) where you’ll see a limited edition titanium C902 plus the G700, W910, W350 and G900 in starring roles, along with a handset called the W707 that has been canned already.