2020 Eurostars

TITLE: Vice President, Hybrids and EV Powertrain Projects
COMPANY: Renault
BASED: Paris, France
AGE: 46
NATIONALITY: French

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Racquet has been directing Renault Group's hybrid and EV powertrain development since 2015. Before that, starting in 2012, he was in charge of application engineers for internal combustion engines, as general manager for powertrain parts development. He joined Renault in 2003 after receiving undergraduate and master's degrees in engineering and held several other positions in powertrain and driveline development and management.

REASON FOR WINNING

Renault has rolled out its innovative E-Tech hybrid powertrains this year, in both conventional and plug-in hybrid form. The system uses a clutchless transmission with two electric motors to allow a majority of urban driving to be done in full-electric mode, Renault says. The system has been put in place in the heart of Renault's lineup, in the brand's best-selling Clio small car (conventional hybrid) and Captur small SUV and Megane compact station wagon and hatchback (plug-in hybrids). In addition to its new E-Tech hybrid system, Renault has maintained its position as market leader in EVs, with the Zoe fending off a challenge from the Tesla Model 3 and other new entrants. Renault is preparing to introduce the first vehicles on a new EV-optimized platform, the CMF-EV, starting with a compact SUV to be built in France.