BREAKING: Jim Press leaves Toyota for Chrysler!
by Sam Abuelsamid on Sep 6th 2007 at 10:30AM 
Despite recently renewing his contract with Chrysler, it's looking more and more like Tom LaSorda's days at the automaker are numbered. This morning, Chrysler Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli revealed that Jim Press would be joining the company as Vice Chairman and President, the same title LaSorda has on his recently-updated business cards. Until today, Press had been none other than President and COO of Toyota North America, quietly leading the Japanese automaker's charge in the U.S. for more market share. Press will be in charge of North American Sales, International Sales, Global Marketing, Product Strategy, and Service and Parts ,while LaSorda is still responsible for manufacturing, purchasing, labor and Global Business Development and Alliances.
The full press release is after the jump.
[Source: Chrysler]
September 6, 2007AUBURN HILLS, MICH. – Chrysler LLC Chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli today announced the appointment of James Press as Vice Chairman and President. Press, who was President and Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Motors in North America Inc. and a Director of the parent company, will now be responsible for North American Sales, International Sales, Global Marketing, Product Strategy, and Service and Parts for Chrysler LLC.
"Tom LaSorda and I are thrilled that one of the most successful executives in the history of the auto industry has joined our leadership team at the New Chrysler," said Nardelli. "Our top team now consists of a world-class 'supply' leader in Tom and an equally world-class 'demand' leader in Jim."
"I've known Jim for many years and know that he will hit the ground sprinting," said LaSorda. "I look forward to partnering with him and Bob as part of the Office of the Chairman."
Press joins LaSorda as a Vice Chairman and President, reporting to Nardelli. LaSorda's responsibilities will continue to include Manufacturing, Procurement and Supply, Employee Relations and Global Business Development and Alliances.
"I am grateful for the support and opportunities I received during my three-plus decades at Toyota," said Press. "I relish this new opportunity with the Chrysler team to be a part of the resurgence of a true American icon here and around the world. Part of my new responsibilities will be strengthening and energizing the dealer body. This is something I was passionate about at Toyota and will be passionate about at Chrysler."
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Press joins Chrysler after 37 years with Toyota, where he most recently served as the first non-Japanese President of Toyota Motor North America Inc., responsible for sales, engineering and the company's 15 manufacturing plants with 41,000 employees in North America. He was also the first non-Japanese executive selected to the Board of Directors of Toyota Motor Corporation.
During his tenure at Toyota, the company grew from an upstart new company selling 100,000 vehicles per year to the second largest auto company in the United States.
Press becomes a member of the Chrysler LLC Board of Directors and the Board of Managers of Cerberus Operations and Advisory Co. (COAC), LLC. Press joins LaSorda as Vice Chairman of COAC.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Troy Tuttle 11:50PM (2/12/2009)
Wow, I just got on here to look up some information about Chrysler. I worked for the company for 10 years from 1998 - 2008. Why is it that no body wants to speak the truth. I know the truth, I was there in Auburn Hills when Bob Eaton sold the company out to Daimler. First of all, CEO's need to change to CLO's (Chief Lying Officers). These people are worse than Lawyers and Politicians. The famous words from the sell out was a "Merger of Equals." Yeah, right, it was a total takeover for CASH$$$$. Bob Eaton got his share of $160,000,000 and over the next five years, Daimler drained 7 billion out of the Chrysler company.
I think I need to right a book about all the crap that has happened to the "American Auto Business."
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Beat-it-nerd 10:44AM (9/06/2007)
Un-F@$king-Believable!!!!
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Mike Huber 10:56AM (9/06/2007)
The part of your entry that is accurate is the dollar sign ($) which is the only reason I can see for leaving the top of the world for the basement of the outhouse!
Beat-it-nerd 12:50PM (9/06/2007)
I couldn't agree more. They would have had to make him a ridiculous offer to leave Toyota after 37 years. Either Press is an idiot or he is the smartest man alive. Only time will tell..
react333 10:46AM (9/06/2007)
So how does a company have two presidents? It seems that Lasorda's responsibilities keep getting chipped away. Maybe Press can lend some guidance and expertise taken from the recent surge of Toyota to a company who needs to completely reaffirm their place in the automotive industry
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samir.bhatia 10:49AM (9/06/2007)
Surprised he didn't have a non-compete!
Wasn't he also recently named to Toyota's Board of Directors? I thought it made news that he was the first non-Japanese ever on the BoD. Maybe I'm just making things up.
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samir.bhatia 10:59AM (9/06/2007)
I'm an idiot. I didn't read the whole thing where it mentions he was on the BoD.
I wonder how displeased the folks at Toyota are about this.
wally 10:53AM (9/06/2007)
Despite of recently renewing his contract with Chrysler, it's looking more and more like Tom LaSorda's days at the automaker are numbered?
Bob Nardelli could be the one leaving Chrysler to CCM Team!
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Doug 10:53AM (9/06/2007)
How much do you have to offer one of the most successful executives at one of the most successful companies in the history of auto making to come to your floundering (sorry Chrysler) company? I mean, Chrysler is a complete wild card right now. Cast off from D-C, bought by a conglomerate of 'investors', hiring a complete auto outsider beancounter. I wasn't sure about Nardelli, but he must be doing something right to win Press over. This really is absolutely amazing.
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FLR 10:56AM (9/06/2007)
Wow...this is huge! Press was the first non-Japanese appointed to the Toyota board.
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St.J 12:31PM (9/06/2007)
And i wonder if he will be the last.
Tyk 11:01AM (9/06/2007)
Lasorda will be gone soon after the UAW negotiations are finish... his labour/union experience is the only reason hes still around.
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sk 11:01AM (9/06/2007)
The number thrown around to get him to join Chrysler is 1/2 billion +. That's what I heard on WWJ 950 AM Detroit this morning.
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Tagg 11:12AM (9/06/2007)
I guess we'll see what this guy is really made of when it comes to the auto business. At Toyota had alot of advantages such as no unions, better product, and a fresh corperat culture to mold into what Toyota is today. At Chrysler the culture is hardened into many old habits that have led Chrysler into the situation it finds itself today. We will definately see if Press is a true automotive leader or not.
I also have to wonder what would have happend if Eaton was passed over by Lutz at Chrylser...
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brucemlloyd 11:10AM (9/06/2007)
I think there was a very similar conversation some time ago:
"Yes, I'd love to be the captain of this glorious ship. It'll be the world's greatest, indestructible and nothing will rival it. What's she called?"
"Titanic."
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Cincinnati Slim 9:12AM (9/07/2007)
Cerberus bought this company because they believed that they were willing and able to turn things around for Chrysler in the marketplace. Mercedes-Benz retained a 1/5 share because they believed there were long-term benefits to be reaped and various shared projects ongoing. Don't count Crysler out yet. They have bounced back a number of times in the past and will again !
Cincinnati Slim
J.Crew 11:25AM (9/06/2007)
Wow, he must really want a challenge and was getting bored at Toyota. I don't see how he could have gone any further at Toyota as they would not ever have an American CEO.
LaSorda will be happy in his new/old role. He is not an ego driven guy and it would be foolish for Chrysler to lose him over this. Press is Sales and LaSorda is Manufacturing...pretty simple and a powerful team.
Now junk some or most of the current lineup and get moving!
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georgejetson 11:34AM (9/06/2007)
A few years from now somebody will write a book with all the inside scoop on the Cerberus takeover of Chrysler, including the backstory on this deal. I can't wait to read it.
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djSyndrome 11:45AM (9/06/2007)
The Yakuza will be calling on Mr. Press shortly.
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tenchi71 11:50AM (9/06/2007)
haha... tell me about it!