Chrysler taps Toyota's Jim Press

Jim Press, the former head of Toyota's North American operations, has been hired by Chrysler as co-vice chairman and co-president with former Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda. "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 Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli said in statement. "Our top team now consists of a world-class 'supply' leader in Tom and an equally world-class 'demand' leader in Jim."

Press will be responsible for global and North American marketing and product strategy as well as parts and service. LaSorda's responsibilities will be manufacturing, procurement and supply, employee relations and global business development and alliances.

Toyota named Shigeru Hayakawa to replace Press as President of Toyota North America, according to Automotive News.

RBR/TVBR observation: Ironically, Toyota is currently running its "Toyota in America" campaign, touting how many Toyotas are made in Kentucky and how American vendors supply the plant.

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