Renault-Nissan Names Brunet as Alliance Powertrain Leader

The Renault-Nissan alliance has named Philippe Brunet, a Renault engineer since 1989, to take over as head of the partnership’s powertrain activities on Jan. 1.

Brunet succeeds Alain Raposo, who has held the job since 2012. Reuters reported yesterday on Raposo’s impending departure, suggesting the alliance wants to accelerate efforts to integrate engines and transmissions between the two partner companies.

Brunet joined Renault as part of the company’s Formula One racing program. In 2000 he headed the alliance’s first jointly developed diesel engine. He currently is program director of Renault’s D-segment midsize cars.