Renault Group appoints Dr Vikraman V as Chief of Engineering, Sandeep Bhambra as Head of Design
Renault Group has strengthened its Indian operations with two senior appointments. Dr Vikraman V has been named Chief of Renault Engineering at the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI) in Chennai, while Sandeep Bhambra takes charge as Head of Renault Design Centre India (RDCI). Bhambra will also continue as Chief Designer, Advanced Renault.
The Chennai facility has been renamed Renault Design Centre India, underlining its growing role in global programmes.
Dr Vikraman brings nearly two decades of experience from Mahindra & Mahindra, where he headed the Vehicle Mechanical Division. His career spans both conventional powertrains and electric systems, making him well suited to lead engineering projects across propulsion technologies. He holds master’s and doctoral degrees in automotive engineering from IIT Madras.
At Mahindra, he was responsible for multiple vehicle platforms during a period of significant transition, giving him insight into how automakers balance traditional engines with electric power. His appointment comes at a time when Renault is targeting carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 while selling vehicles in markets at different stages of electrification.
The Chennai engineering base will contribute to this global transformation, supporting projects that serve Renault’s presence in more than 100 countries.
Sandeep Bhambra adds responsibility for Indian operations while continuing to lead Advanced Design from France. Since 2021, he has been responsible for concept projects including the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, 4EVER Trophy, Scenic Vision, and Estafette Concept. These models highlight Renault’s work in electric mobility, sustainable design, and advanced connectivity.
Bhambra’s background includes roles at Peugeot and Tata Motors, giving him exposure to both European and Indian market needs. His ability to adapt design concepts for different regions will be valuable as Renault develops cars that must succeed in both developed and emerging markets.
Renault’s leadership has emphasised India’s position as more than just a support base. CEO Stéphane Deblaise noted that these appointments reinforce the country’s role as a creator of future products. Chief Design Officer Laurens van den Acker highlighted Bhambra’s creative vision and international experience as key for guiding teams through industry changes.
This reflects Renault’s broader strategy of building innovation centres beyond Europe. With growing market diversity and stricter regulations worldwide, developing scalable and cost-effective solutions in countries like India has become essential.
Both appointments are aligned with Renault’s priorities of electrification, digitalisation, and connected technologies. Dr Vikraman will focus on engineering platforms that can handle multiple propulsion systems, while Bhambra’s design leadership will ensure that new technologies are expressed through user-friendly and appealing design.
By putting proven leaders in charge of engineering and design in India, Renault signals its intention to deepen the country’s contribution to global programmes. The move underlines a long-term commitment to India as a hub for innovation and product development at a time when the industry faces one of its most complex transitions.