According to sources, the four-way pitch, which was called six months ago, also involved incumbent agency MEC, OMD and a local agency.
This is the largest media pitch in China by spend for 2015.
It is understood that the new agency brand Fuel was created under the Vivaki group to avoid client conflict. Currently, ZenithOptimedia China handles media for General Motors China and BMW China works with Starcom Mediavest Group.
The creative agency handling the account is BBDO China.
ZenithOptimedia and the consultancy handling the pitch, R3, have both declined to comment.
MEC was unable to respond by press time.