Guangzhou. 3^rd June 2015. RF Thunder, sister company of Ruder Finn Asia, has won a pitch for a two-year contract for BMW China, maker of luxury cars, for the South China region. The pitch, which was held over three months, involved local and international companies. RF Thunder Guangzhou will manage media events and media communications on a range of projects throughout the contract. The Guangzhou office is the second RF Thunder office in China, established in 2013 following Shanghai in 2011. In January and April this year, RF Thunder opened its Hong Kong and Beijing offices.

There are six BMW regional offices in China: North, East, South East, Middle, West and South.  The South China region is an important BMW market and has been active in building a profile through media relations as well as dealer communication programs.

In China, overall growth in passenger-car sales was lower in 2014 due to China’s economic slowdown, local efforts to cut down on air pollution and traffic congestion through license plate quota, and a crackdown on official corruption. According to the Chinese Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), sales in 2014 still grew at 9.9 percent, with sales of 19.7 million automobiles nationally.

“This is the first time RF Thunder and BMW China have worked together and the winning of the retainer is recognition of Ruder Finn Asia’s status as the leading PR consultancy in the automotive industry in China. RF Thunder has supported Ruder Finn Asia in several projects involving premium cars and major automotive events including the Guangzhou Auto Show and the Shanghai Auto Show,“ Emily Situ, RF Thunder, Guangzhou General Manager, said.

“It is a real privilege to add BMW to our existing auto client portfolio,” Elan Shou, SVP and Managing Director, Ruder Finn Greater China, said. “With our 20 years’ experience in the China auto industry, Ruder Finn Asia is undoubtedly the leading PR agency in this field. I believe our sister company, RF Thunder, will provide the highest standard of service to continue the legacy of Ruder Finn in China’s auto industry.”

“Ruder Finn Asia is the premier communications agency in the luxury market in China, and this new partnership with BMW China further underscores our leadership in this important brand sector,” said Kathy Bloomgarden, Global CEO of Ruder Finn. “As our portfolio of automotive experience continues to expand across the global agency, we leverage our experience in corporate reputation, cross-channel customer engagement and digital storytelling to strengthen brand-consumer connections.”