"The industry is changing rapidly in terms of what vehicles and features customers want, " said Chrysler's president, Jim Press.

BBC: Fresh troubles for US car giants

Toyota has had a foreigner on its board just once in the past, in 2007, with Jim Press, an American who had headed Toyota's North American operations at a time when fears were growing about a possible American backlash over Toyota's stupendous growth.

NPR: Former GM Executive Tapped For Toyota Board

Associated Press writers Jim Abrams, Andrew Miga and Kenneth Thomas contributed to this report.

NPR: Boost For Background Checks: Senators Compromise