Chrysler grabs top Toyota executive

Newly private Chrysler LLC scored a coup Thursday when it hired Jim Press, Toyota Motor Corp.'s highest-ranking U.S. executive and one of the most talented sales managers in the industry. Chrysler announced Thursday that Press would join the Auburn Hills automaker on Sept. 17, the latest in a series of appointments aimed at strengthening its top management team. Press will be vice chairman and co-president alongside Tom LaSorda, who also will hold the titles of vice chairman and president under CEO Bob Nardelli.