Chrysler's Jim Press speaks, we listen
It's still weird to think of Jim Press being at Chrysler LLC instead of Toyota North America. The man had been a staple at Toyota for the past 37 years or so, and we got used to seeing his face next to their logo. But now he's at Chrysler as the automaker's new co-Vice Chairman and President along with Tom LaSorda. We've all been wondering why he made the switch from the Japanese juggernaut to the smallest of the Big Three, and he answers us in this interview with Paul W. Smith on Detroit radio station 760 WJR-AM. Not surprisingly, he says the challenge at Chrysler was his motivation for leaving Toyota, which makes sense because this automaker has nowhere to go but up. Perhaps the triumvirate of Bob Nardelli, Tom LaSorda and Jim Press can make that happen. No doubt Jim Press will be rewarded handsomely for his contribution, though.
Click the Read link to hear the interview or download it.
[Source: WJRpodcasts.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark Tisch, Salt Lake City 8:46PM (9/20/2007)
Judging by what I've read in blogs, and heard from Home Depot shoppers about Nardelli's impact on Home Depot, "up" is not the only direction Chrysler can go under Nardelli. He cut costs by cutting store staff, which has resulted in significant drops in customer service. He did nothing to make tangible improvements to the company. Home Depot grew considerably under his tenure, but has anyone pointed to anything specific Nardelli did to generate the growth (that any other executive couldn't have done)? I hope he does great things for Chrysler. But I have not heard or read ANYTHING that gives me hope. Any differing opinions out there?
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Andrew 8:55PM (9/20/2007)
is downsizing such a bad thing though in the case of chrysler? the big 2.X ~~ 3 have a lot of dealerships. while that means great coverage and competition, it also means a lot of redundancy.
i just hope chrysler comes back with competitive cars. they've had some great concepts that i would love to see put into production.
Mark Tisch, Salt Lake City 10:33PM (9/20/2007)
That's the point, Andrew. They need to build competitive cars. Cost cutting might help, but that should not be the #1 priority - it needs to be product. And axe swingers such as Nardelli often over cut - Chrysler's cars might end up with even cheaper plastic interiors, less spent on R&D, etc. Let's hope not. And as far as concepts, I agree. IF these guys put, say, the Gladiator into production (not watered down), I will be one of the first ones to buy one.
howard 1:17AM (9/21/2007)
Mark; the important thing here is he made a change for the best at Home Depot, I have a good friend who is in management of a good size store and his contention is Nardell made staff cuts mainly of the FREE LOADERS! He never cut anyone who showed they could and would do what ever was necessary to make the company a success! The old adage; THATS NOT MY JOB went out the window, my friend was with the co for 18 years but if the latrene needed cleaning and no body else was availabl he did it gladley! When he was done he went to the person who SHOULD have done it and told them THAT WAS THE LAST TIME HE WAS GOING TO DO IT! And they believed him!
Mark Tisch, Salt Lake City 8:50AM (9/21/2007)
That's just one case, Howard. But if it's an example of Nardelli's approach company-wide, that is good to hear. Maybe there is hope.
Drewboy 9:18PM (9/20/2007)
Well that was an interesting listen. Thanks Autoblog!
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Ben K. 9:37PM (9/20/2007)
Everything must not be as rosey at Toyota as everyone would like to believe. Perhaps the Press departure means there is nowhere to go but down at Toyota. Nardelli will need all the help he can get, automotive experience is a must in this industry. Jim Press can give him plenty of insight. I can't believe they didn't stick with Wolfgang. At least Chrysler isn't in the Germans control any longer. LaSorda may be out of a job very soon. The Jim Press acquisition is a home run. He had possibly the best job in the industry, why would he leave now?
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Chuck U. Farlie 10:05PM (9/20/2007)
He wanted a company car with a HEMI!
Barney 2:09PM (9/22/2007)
GM was at the top for many years before going "down". Why should Toyota go down quicker the GM? Chrysler didn't get Jim Press because he volunteered. Money works in mysterious ways. Hopefully an x-Toyota employee can do better then Daimler. This probably the last time Chrysler can reprieve itself.
chris 10:13PM (9/20/2007)
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Mayur 10:18PM (9/20/2007)
Nardelli will cut the costs
Press will keep the customer satisfaction up
I dont know if any of you guys know this or not but Toyota has great customer support. If the dealer mistreats a customer, call up HQ and bam your good to go. I never thought I say this but Chrysler has a winning combo of execs.
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Lithous 10:53PM (9/20/2007)
This guy reminds me of Anakin Skywalker. He helps reek havoc on the domestic auto companies for decades and then at the end puts a little effort to help them and he gets to be up there with Obi Wan and Yoda as a hero.
He is still going to be friends with Dr. Toyoda (how funny, Dr. T on one continent and Dr. Z on another.) I just wonder how Toyota will exploit Press' inside man status? The guy is 60 and was with Toyota for 37 years, that is more than half of his life and just about all of his adult life. He must have been at Ford for only a year or so going by his age. Assuming he went to college and by about 23-ish he went to Toyota (60-37.)
He owes the home team big time. He better throw the Emperor into the abyss. If this guy pulls any crap then he and Joe Gibbs can go spoon each other.
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Random Task 2:22AM (9/21/2007)
Them's fightin' words. I assume you're a fan of the Cowchips, given you slandering of Saint Joe.
Owen 9:10AM (9/21/2007)
Lets' just hope the chrysler lineup doesn't end up looking anything like the Toyota USA lineup, that's all I have to say. There is still a hint of excitement left at chrysler in some of the models, even if their cars are oversized and overweight for the most part.
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Schmeltz 9:35AM (9/21/2007)
That was an interesting interview--good catch Autoblog. I have been looking for an interview such as this ever since I read the news of Jim's departure from Toyota for Chrysler. What Jim said makes sense that he can be at the ground floor of the re-making of an American icon here. It is encouraging to hear his views for the American Auto industry too. I wish him and Chrysler the best.
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Ron 12:11PM (9/21/2007)
how long till someone Photoshops a bead of sweat rolling down this guy's forehead?
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Don 12:01AM (9/22/2007)
Hey, it can't hurt to have Press.
Onward and upward!
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