Jim Press Moves to Renault-Nissan

Former Toyota and Chrysler executive Jim Press is said to have selected the Renault-Nissan alliance as the best company to get back in the game with, with some saying Press has been working for the French-Japanese alliance for some four months now.

Although official confirmation of the move is yet to be announced, Press is already being seen by some in the industry as a name on Renault-Nissan's payroll. According to DetNews, Press, a man with great knowledge of both the US and Japanese markets, is advising the group on sales and distribution projects.

DetNews cites spokesman Simon Sproule as saying Press is advising the group not only for one brand or market.

Press' latest role in the automotive industry was that of Chrysler CEO. Press was the sole survivor of the three-men group in the old Chrysler, together with Robert Nardelli and Tom LaSorda.

Jim Press was brought on Chrysler's board by the company's former CEO, Robert Nardelli, in 2007, as the man to be in charge with North American sales, international sales, global marketing, product strategy, and service and parts.

As Nardelli and LaSorda left the company following Chrysler's bankruptcy in 2009, Jim Press was left behind as the man appointed to provide continuity and ensure the transition from the old to the new Chrysler. Press previously worked for Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in 1970, managing to reach an executive position by the time he left.

In September 2009, Press was rumored to have more than $1.35 million in unpaid federal taxes and a personal loan. The elimination of bonuses at Chrysler was cited by Press as being the reason behind his failure to repay the loan.