Jim Press found himself in some hot water with his former employer — Toyota — over some comments he made last month about the Toyota Prius ’ development being 100 percent funded by the Japanese government. Neither side has backed down, but Chrysler released a statement on Press’ behalf on Thursday.
While Press has not rescinded his comments, a press release on Chrysler’s Firehouse media website has taken the edge off Press’ statements.
Chrysler ’s spin on Press’ statement is that he was just emphasizing the need for the U.S. government to help the Big Three to “find technological improvements that help give U.S. companies a competitive advantage.”
The press release also said “Press was not speaking negatively of Toyota ,” but both Press and Chrysler maintain that the Japanese government did aid in the Prius’ development.
With neither side backing down, we’re sure this isn’t the last we’ll hear on Press vs. Toyota.
