Detroit, Michigan: DNV presents the prestigious Automotive Industry Executive of the Year Award to Jim Press, the President of Toyota Motor North America, during the annual Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit 17 April.
It is the first time in the award’s 43 years history that a Toyota executive is receiving the honor, sponsored by the Automotive Industry Action Group.
The Nominating Committee, composed of automotive industry media, various industry analysts and automotive supplier CEOs, recognizes Jim Press’ outstanding leadership bringing Toyota in the forefront of North American Automakers. It is widely accepted he is responsible for the company’s tremendous growth and current leadership position in North America, including a series of enviable sales records during a time when many domestic automakers are struggling with dwindling profits. Toyota is capturing a growing share of the US automotive market with an 11.7% sales jump last month, boosted by record sales of its hybrid vehicles and strong overall car sales.
Customer satisfaction
According to Jim Press the most important qualities of a good leader is to respect people, have constant focus on improvements and long-term relationship to customers, co-workers and suppliers. For him customer satisfaction includes both his clients and the people he works with.
“Toyota’s mission is to give customers the products they want at great value and with excellent quality, but no individual has executed that philosophy as successfully as Jim Press,” says Robert Djurovic, Director of Automotive Services in DNV North America, and Chairman of the Nominating Committee.
About Jim Press
Jim Press is the President of Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMA), the holding company for Toyota's North American sales, engineering and manufacturing operating units. He is also a managing officer and serves in a global advisory capacity for the parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation, in Japan. Prior to his current responsibilities he was President and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., where he had overall responsibility for sales, marketing and distribution for Toyota, Scion and Lexus products in the United Sates. Established in 1996, TMA is headquartered in New York City, with branch offices in Washington, D.C. and Miami, Florida.