PARIS (AP) -- Patrick Pelata has been appointed chief operating officer of Renault SA, the French carmaker said Friday, announcing a newly created position that it said would help boost operational capabilities.
Pelata, 53, will keep his previous responsibilities as leader of Renault's European management committee.
"Through the appointment of a COO, the Renault management team has strengthened its operational capabilities ensuring a close focus on day-to-day business matters," the company said in a statement.
In July, Renault reported a 37-percent increase in six-month net profit but said it is falling behind sales targets. The company has also said it plans to scale back production to adjust for expected lower sales volumes and slowing economic growth, and it announced 6,000 job cuts last month.
