Renault and Nissan announced that four functions will be integrated through the automakers' operational alliance to create 4.3 billion euros (or $6 billion) in annual synergies by 2016.

Starting April 1, the Renault-Nissan Alliance will converge engineering; manufacturing engineering and supply chain management; purchasing; and human resources. With the move, four executives move into new roles to increase integration of each function, according to an alliance statement.

Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, alliance director of platforms and parts, has been appointed alliance executive vice president for technology development as Renault and Nissan combine Common Module Family engineering, advanced research, powertrain development (including electric vehicles), systems engineering and testing facilities, and services.

Shohei Kimura, Nissan's corporate vice president for vehicle production engineering, has been appointed alliance executive vice president for vehicle production engineering to oversee global industrial strategy (including sourcing), production process engineering, production control and supply chain management.

Christian Vandenhende, managing director of the Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organization, has been appointed alliance executive vice president of alliance purchasing.

Marie-Francoise Damesin, Renault's executive vice president for human resources, has been appointed executive vice president for alliance Human Resources. In addition, Greg Kelly, Nissan's senior vice president of the CEO office and global human resources, has been appointed executive vice president over alliance talent management.