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.

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Jim Press

Photo: Toyota

"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.

(Dec. 6, 2000)