Toyota exec named Chrysler co-president

DETROIT, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- James Press, Toyota’s North American operations president and chief operating officer, was named vice chairman and co-president of newly independent Chrysler.

Press, the highest ranking American at Toyota, joins Thomas LaSorda, who has a similar title with the car maker, The Wall Street Journal said.

LaSorda had been chief executive officier before Chrysler’s new owner Cerberus Capital Management named Robert Nardelli, former Home Depot chief executive, to lead Chrysler.

Press will be responsible for sales and marketing, product strategy, and service and parts. LaSorda's responsibilities will continue to include manufacturing, procurement and supply, employee relations and global business development and alliances, the Journal said.