Goodby Silverstein drops out of $150m global Volvo pitch

by Staff, Brand Republic 27-Feb-07, 08:55

SAN FRANCISCO - Goodby Silverstein & Partners, the Omnicom-owned last-minute contender for the $150m (£75m) Volvo global creative pitch, has dropped out of the running and is believed to be pursuing another automotive account.

The Omnicom agency's involvement with the global pitch was only announced a month ago when the move was made to partner sister agency 180 Amsterdam to bolster its effort. The agency now remains in the race independently.

It is understood that Goodby may wish to go after the $600m Hyundai Motor America creative account. It has recently split with incumbent The Richards Group and has put the business was out for tender.

Hyundai has announced that it will invite a select number of agencies to pitch in the upcoming weeks.

The race for the Volvo account is now down to incumbent Euro RSCG Worldwide, 180 Amsterdam, Publicis Groupe's Fallon, Havas's Arnold, and independent Nitro. Final presentations are taking place on March 20 and 21.

It is believed the brief will challenge the remaining agencies to plan a global campaign to sell seven new models over four years.