Chrysler Quiet on Future of Press

Chrysler Group LLC declines comment on a report that Deputy CEO Jim Press will leave the auto maker by year’s end.

Citing unnamed sources, The Wall Street Journal reports today the engaging former Toyota Motor Corp. executive will leave Chrysler before December.

Press, 62, was named deputy CEO at Chrysler Group after the auto maker emerged from bankruptcy in June with Fiat Auto SpA CEO Sergio Marchionne at the helm. Press had been Chrysler vice-chairman and co-president with since-retired Tom LaSorda.

Press shocked the industry when he defected to Chrysler in 2007 after 37 years with Toyota.