Ford Exec: Taking Time Off – For Now
October 24, 2007

Richard Parry-Jones, one of Ford’s executives who last week announced his retirement from the company, told AutoObserver at the Tokyo Motor Show that he’s headed for the beach and three straight months of decompression after his departure at year-end.

But the talented engineer, who, at 56, seems too young and energetic to retire completely, appeared open to new possibilities after a vacation. Maybe he’s got something lined up already.

Chrysler sure could use a product guru of Parry-Jones’ rare caliber, and rumors are swirling that the automaker is in the market for their equivalent of a General Motors Bob Lutz.

However, aAt a recent press briefing, Chrysler Vice Chairman Jim Press said the company doesn’t need a product guru. But many of us beg to differ. Chrysler has lost its way on product and, while Press is a marketing magician, he is known inside Toyota, where he spent 37 years, to be rather conservative on product. Chrysler needs anything but conservative right now. It needs some standout models like it has been known for in the past.

Posted by Michelle Krebs at 5:52 AM under Chrysler , Commentary , Ford , Personalities | Comments (0) | digg this | Seed Newsvine