GM Appoints Interim Powertrain Chief

General Motors Co. has chosen James Lanzon, vice president of global transmission engineering, to take over as interim head of global engine development.

Lanzon replaces for Sam Winegarden, who was fired last week after the company confirmed the company had rigged emission certification tests for two models in India. GM says it is conducting a search for a permanent replacement.

Lanzon, who joined the company in 1968, shared co-leadership of GM powertrain engineering with Winegarden in 2011 before the latter was promoted to head global engine engineering.