Audi has appointed the research and development (R&D) chief of Swedish carmaker Volvo as its new head of technical development, filling a key post as the Volkswagen-owned (VOWG_p.DE) brand grapples with the fallout from the group’s emissions scandal.

Peter Mertens, senior vice president for R&D at Volvo Car Corporation who has previously held senior positions at General Motors (GM.N) and Audi’s German rival Mercedes-Benz (DAIGn.DE), will take up his new post as soon as possible, a spokesman for Audi said on Thursday, without being more specific.

Mertens will replace Audi’s former R&D chief Stefan Knirsch, who left the premium brand in September.

Original Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-audi-managementchanges-idUKKBN13J1D4