Discussion on WardsAuto Podcast featuring Auto Industry Legend Jim Press, covering industrial disruptions from Iacocca to Trump eras.
In an interview with WardsAuto Senior Editor David Kiley, automotive industry veteran Jim Press shared his insights on surviving and thriving amidst the unprecedented disruption currently facing the industry. Press, who has held leadership positions at major companies including Toyota and Chrysler, has witnessed and adapted to transformative periods in the automotive industry since the era of Lee Iacocca.
Throughout his career, Press has shown a knack for strategic adaptation, continuous learning, and proactive leadership. During his time at Toyota, he brought operational discipline and a global perspective to the company, playing key roles in adapting product strategies and production practices amidst the rise of Japanese automakers and increased competition. At Chrysler, he helped integrate diverse corporate cultures during the company's transformations and alliances.
Press advocates for innovation and lean manufacturing to improve efficiency and responsiveness. In the current disrupted landscape, he emphasizes the importance of agility to respond to rapid technological changes such as electrification, autonomous driving, and connectivity. He also focuses on customer-centric innovation to meet new mobility demands, including shared and electric vehicles.
To enhance capabilities and scale, Press suggests leveraging partnerships and cross-sector collaboration. He also invests in digital transformation throughout the value chain, from design to manufacturing and sales. Sustainability and regulatory compliance have become critical in the global automotive landscape, and Press prioritizes these areas in his strategies.
Press's advice is sought after by a wide range of entities within the automotive industry, including automakers, dealer groups, and emerging-technology companies. He continues to offer his expertise to companies in various stages of development, from established automakers to emerging technology firms.
The chat between Press and Kiley offers valuable insights for entities looking to navigate and thrive in the changing automobile industry. As Press himself notes, the industry is characterized by constant change and unpredictability. However, with strategic adaptation, continuous learning, and proactive leadership, it is possible to not only survive but thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.
- Jim Press, with his background in the automotive industry and experience in finance, sees the value of establishing partnerships and cross-sector collaborations to enhance capabilities and scale in the rapidly changing landscape.
- Given the industry's heavy reliance on technology, Press emphasizes the importance of innovation, particularly in areas such as electrification, autonomous driving, and connectivity, to meet new mobility demands.
- Press, an advocate for lean manufacturing, also stresses the necessity of increasing efficiency and responsiveness in the traditional aerospace and automotive sectors, which is crucial for improving customer-centric innovation.
