Renault-Nissan to Replace Powertrain Chief

The Renault-Nissan alliance is preparing to replace its top powertrain executive this week to speed up engine and transmission integration between the two companies, sources tell Reuters.

Alain Raposo reportedly will be moved to an advisory position. He joined Renault in 1987 and spent time heading engine block design at Nissan before being assigned to oversee alliance powertrain planning. He moved into his current position in April 2012.

A spokesperson tells Reuters the alliance plans no comment on personnel changes but says the alliance is “on track with its overall convergence objectives.”

The impending management change reflects the pressures of tightening pollution standards and increased scrutiny of powertrain performance in the wake of Volkswagen AG’s diesel emission cheating scandal, according to Reuters. It notes that Renault was criticized earlier this year for very high levels of nitrogen oxides emissions from its diesels in real-world tests.

The alliance has commonized about 85% of the engines it uses over the past 17 years, according to the news service. But its sources say the process has bogged down, with engine program schedules “all over the place.” They say internal debate continues to rage about which company’s designs should prevail.