Chrysler screws Toyota by snagging Jim Press

Chrysler has announced today that Toyota’s North America President Jim Press will be heading to Auburn Hills to become the carmaker’s new co-president and vice chairman. We don’t normally report on executive shuffles within the auto industry but Chrysler bagging Jim Press is a major coup for the rejuvenated carmaker and a serious thorn in the side of Toyota. Press was recently announced as the first non-Japanese exec to be inducted to Toyota’s board of directors after showing impressive results in the US, the carmaker’s most important market.
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JWalkerLegrande - 9/6/2007 10:40:57 AM

-3 Boost

Dannyboy, Jim Press was one lucky guy to ride with the tide when Toyota/Lexus was elevated to the top. Now he decided to land fast and enjoy his final years outside the auto industry.

Mark my words within 5 yrs Chrysler as we now today will be out to the auto biz...

dannyboy2 - 9/6/2007 10:47:51 AM

+1 Boost

That's a bit harsh. You can't deny that some of Press' efforts did help Toyota. The fact that he was elected for their board means he did have some influence.

This is a very good sign for Chrysler and going private is just as good. They may not be as big as they once were but i see good things happening for them.

Just drop designs like the Sebring and these stupid Dodge crossovers - PLEASE.

Hyundai - 9/6/2007 11:28:38 AM

+1 Boost

In 5 years, I see Chrysler making a big comeback, and that is from somebody who could not care less for Chrysler.

speedmaster - 9/7/2007 12:42:47 AM

+1 Boost

JWalkerLegrande uttered:

"Dannyboy, Jim Press was one lucky guy to ride with the tide when Toyota/Lexus was elevated to the top. "

You clearly have no idea of history. He elevated Lexus' position after 1995; bringing out a series of hits - LX, GS and he was elemental in the push for the RX. Without Press, Lexus would be a second tier brand like Acura or Infiniti. For example, he killed off fleet sales of Lexus cars to help it's brand value. You have to give credit where credit is due.

Mark my words, this is a big loss for Toyota. He wasn't just another exec. He was President of North American operations. He is like a Steve Ballmer.

He is most important in building up the dealer network.

JWalkerLegrande - 9/6/2007 10:41:17 AM

-1 Boost

correction: out OF the auto biz

S4cabriofoxone - 9/8/2007 1:34:42 AM

+1 Boost

Of course you don't. Oh, in your head, everything is just absolutely perfect at Toyota, and there are lollypops and candy canes lining their factory walls.

no1listensanyway - 9/6/2007 12:35:17 PM

0 Boost

Very interesting play by Chrysler. This is a major loss for Toyota, Jim Press was always the one guy who made Toyota seem American. This is big news!

Agent009 - 9/6/2007 1:35:54 PM

+5 Boost

Don't forget that Deb Meyer left Lexus a couple weeks ago for Chrysler as well.

trackturtle - 9/6/2007 12:47:55 PM

0 Boost

FINALLY! Jim Press was making Toyota into the GM of the past few decades. Now Toyota can focus again on making good cars, not only on making money. I bet you that his decisions to increase revenue are starting to turn sour; so he decided to jump ship before anyone can blame him. Well... I do.

This isn't a major loss for Toyota at all. IT's a second chance. This is an opportunity for Toyota not to become Chrysler (after Iacocca) with Robert Eaton.

speedmaster - 9/6/2007 4:53:14 PM

+4 Boost

The fact that Press is a Gaijin meant he would never be CEO. The Japanese treat foreigners as second class citizens.
He will never move up from being President of N. America.
This person of this caliber could not go any higher after 37 years at ToyoMoco.

Nardelli is a stop gap for Cerebus to turn things around. Mark my words, Jim Press will be the next CEO and Chairman of Chrysler.

Airliner - 9/6/2007 8:02:49 PM

+2 Boost

Good thing Nissan didn't subscribe to this way of thinking. Now Carlos runs Nissan's Parent, Renault.

speedmaster - 9/6/2007 9:35:44 PM

+2 Boost

Airliner, Renault "bought" Nissan. A foreigner bought a Japanese company. Hence, they don't have that xenophobia. Same with Ford ownership of Mazda. Toyota, on the other hand is home-owned (in Japan).

I am surprise this site has little discussion on this. This IS HUGE news.
All the other blogs, and finance news sites are reeling in on this news.

I am still in a bit of shock because Press left 37 years of Toyota behind.

37 years at one company is a long tenure.

Something is brewing. Maybe he knows something we don't or the offer must be $$$$$.

paul3230 - 9/6/2007 10:26:34 PM

+3 Boost

totally agree with you. It's amazing how people on this site praise their cars, yet don't care about one of the few people who really took Toyota to the next level. This is a HUGE loss for Toyota. It will be interesting how this all star team that Chrysler is putting together performs.

Airliner - 9/6/2007 10:53:11 PM

+1 Boost

I follow speedmaster... Nissan was far open to ideas outside of Japan even before being bought out by Renault.

Toyota doesn't have to be as flexible... they feel that their sales numbers speak for themselves. Toyota is simply the company that has played the auto industry game the best. Toyota is big and great but Mr. Press is looking for some, no pun intended, press!!

He has been doing this for a long time and wants to leave with a big bang!! “The Guy that turned Chrysler around.” Yet we all know that Chrysler should not have married Daimler. That was a bad deal and it’s only a matter of time before Chrysler turns around and starts showing great numbers regardless of who is at the helm. Personally, I hope Press doesn’t get Safe Bet happy at Chrysler (Toyota style).