5th December, 2000
Alliance Names Toyota's Press New Chairman of the Board
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers today
named Toyota Motor Sales USA (TMS) executive vice president Jim Press its new
Chairman of the Board.
Press, who also serves as a member of TMS' Board of Directors, was named
chairman at the Alliance's second annual board meeting. He replaces outgoing chairman
Tom Gale, vice chairman of DaimlerChrysler.
"We are honored to have Jim Press serve as our new chairman," said Alliance President &
CEO Josephine S. Cooper. "During the past year, we as an Alliance have worked diligently
on such issues as Tier 2 emissions, advanced airbags, franchise law, enhanced vehicle
safety and cleaner fuels. The coming year promises to be a challenging one, and we look
forward to meeting those challenges with Jim Press at the helm."
Press has overall responsibility for the nationwide operations of TMS, including Toyota and
Lexus automotive operations, the Customer Services Division, Toyota Industrial
Equipment Division, Planning and Development, Finance, Administration, Legal and
External Affairs Departments. In his most recent position as senior vice president and
general manager of the automotive operations group, Press was responsible for
operations of the Toyota Division, Lexus Division, Toyota Logistics Services and Sales
Administration Department.
"Given our growth in the United States over the past decade and the changing structure of
the global auto industry, it was inevitable that Toyota would eventually assume a larger role
in the American auto industry," Press said. "It is happening sooner than we expected, but
we are looking forward to working even more closely with the other automakers during
what will be a challenging year as the industry works to meet ever-higher consumer
expectations and regulatory demands."
Leadership of the Alliance Board rotates annually among regular members. Ford Motor
Company served as its first chair, DaimlerChrysler served as its second, Toyota will serve
as its third, and General Motors will serve as its chair the following year.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a 13-member coalition of car and light truck
manufacturers who employ more than 620,000 Americans at 250 manufacturing facilities
in 35 states. Alliance member companies account for 90 percent of car and light truck
sales in the United States each year.
/CONTACT: Eron Shosteck of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, 202-326-5501/
12:40 EST
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