Chrysler's Jim Press Speaks Publicly for the First Time Since Leaving Toyota

Chrysler's Jim Press Speaks Publicly for the First Time Since Leaving Toyota

Former Toyota executive Jim Press, now vice chairman and president of Chrysler, told a Detroit radio show host that Chrysler and Detroit automakers in general will regain market share, lost to companies like Toyota.

“I think every 37 or 38 years you ought to try a new career,” Press, who was at Toyota for 37 years, told Paul W. Smith on his WJR-AM radio show in his first interview since joining Chrysler.

"It's great to be back on the home team. It’s great to be on this team," Press said.

Press said he was motivated to leave Toyota by the challenge at Chrysler, and the timing couldn’t be better.

"The timing is perfect. The organization is capable. They’ve got everything situated. They need some good, fresh direction, some consistent thoughts and observations, and I can bring those," said Press.

"We can capitalize on a growing market," he added. "The market is going to grow, and we’re going to increase our share, and I think the domestic auto industry will increase their share.”

In the interview, Press also discusses his daily swimming regimen, house-hunting with his wife in suburban Detroit, and working with Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda.

Michelle Krebs:  is Editor-in-Chief of AutoObserver.com. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.