Jim Press
Encyclopedia
James E. Press is the former Deputy CEO of Chrysler Group LLC serving in that capacity from June to December 2009.
Previously, Mr. Press served as Co-President of Chrysler LLC, President of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and Daimler AG. He served as President of Sales & Marketing Operations of Chrysler LLC between September 2007 to June 2009. He served as Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Motor Corp. until September 14, 2007, and was the first non-Japanese member of Toyota’s board of directors.
In 2007, Press told the Detroit News that diesels, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and diesel-hybrids are among the technologies "in the mix," and that every Chrysler vehicle will eventually have an alternative to the gasoline combustion engine.
In September 2009 the media reported that Press is facing claims of more than $1.35 million for unpaid federal taxes and a personal loan. Press blamed the elimination of bonuses at Chrysler for his failure to pay back the loan.
Press has two sons with his first wife. He also has a son and a daughter with his second wife Linda. Linda Press filed for divorce the week after Press appeared at an industry event with Suwichada Busamrong, who would become his third wife..
Press is known to be an avid swimmer. He wears a single string on one wrist as a reminder that material wealth is not the most important thing.
Previously, Mr. Press served as Co-President of Chrysler LLC, President of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and Daimler AG. He served as President of Sales & Marketing Operations of Chrysler LLC between September 2007 to June 2009. He served as Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Motor Corp. until September 14, 2007, and was the first non-Japanese member of Toyota’s board of directors.
In 2007, Press told the Detroit News that diesels, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and diesel-hybrids are among the technologies "in the mix," and that every Chrysler vehicle will eventually have an alternative to the gasoline combustion engine.
In September 2009 the media reported that Press is facing claims of more than $1.35 million for unpaid federal taxes and a personal loan. Press blamed the elimination of bonuses at Chrysler for his failure to pay back the loan.
Press has two sons with his first wife. He also has a son and a daughter with his second wife Linda. Linda Press filed for divorce the week after Press appeared at an industry event with Suwichada Busamrong, who would become his third wife..
Press is known to be an avid swimmer. He wears a single string on one wrist as a reminder that material wealth is not the most important thing.