VW's Audi picks top Volvo manager as new R&D chief

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 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 and Audi's German rival Mercedes-Benz, will take up his new post as soon as possible, a spokesman for Audi said on Thursday,