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Alliance Names Toyota's Press New Chairman of the Board

5 December 2000

Alliance Names Toyota's Press New Chairman of the Board

    WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 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 Toyota's 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.