It’s back! Lexus is back with their big red bows, a showroom staple for the holiday season, and their 19th year of the December to Remember campaign. But- there’s a twist this year and we have to admit, we are fond of their new direction..”The Excitement of Giving.”
Earlier this month Lexus debuted three commercials, all showing how the gift of an award-winning Lexus offers amazing experiences throughout the entire year, and the excitement that comes from gifting these exceptional vehicles to loved ones.
“This time of year is full of joy, magic and cherished family traditions that last well beyond the gift-giving season,” said Cooper Ericksen, Lexus vice president of marketing. “We wanted to capture this idea that a ‘December to Remember’ with Lexus has the potential to create unforgettable moments that last all year round.”
This year, it’s truly all about the experience and the joyful moments created from one decision and a red bow. The three spots you’ll see are called “Memories” “Celebrations” and “Joy” and they all tell a different story from varying perspectives including Valentine’s Day, Halloween a summer quinceanera, Easter, and moving a new student into their college dorm room to name a few. “Joy” is previewed below.
#GiveAmazing- Extending December to Remember with the Community in Mind
Now, we shift from the joyful moments created by their line-up and to the moments their dealer teams create to give back to their communities. Starting on November 22, Lexus will share stories of giving back and issue a challenge to their dealer network and clientele.
Use the #GiveAmazing on social media with your own act of kindness this season, and Lexus will donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America- up to $100,000.
So now it’s up to us! Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine will continue their community support throughout the end of the year by encouraging their members to go the extra mile to give back.
Specifically, Lexus Plano will be raising funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center during their Thanksgiving Celebration with members, and are “Adopting Angels” and will send a team to shop for at least 16 children this holiday season. Park Place Lexus Grapevine is collection Toys for Tots through mid-December. Clients are encouraged to also drop toys for donation to the dealership.
If you are interested in giving back with us this holiday season, be sure to snap a photo or video of your toy delivery, community event, or philanthropy (no act is too small!), share to social media with #GiveAmazing and #ParkPlaceCares and your act of kindness will go even further thanks to Lexus!
In its continued efforts to deliver innovative and amazing experiences, Lexus unveiled its “Lexus Electrified” vision for an upcoming generation of electrified vehicles.
Lexus has officially joined the ranks of luxury manufacturers who are looking towards a fully-electric future. LF-30 Electrified embodies this vision for Lexus, delivering an innovative interior with autonomous driving technology a newly designed driving cockpit, and other key advancements.
Lexus is no stranger to electric or hybrid technologies. In 2005, the Lexus RX 400h was introduced, sporting the very technologies that Lexus has pioneered across the industry. Now, the “Lexus Electrified” vision targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control, and driver enjoyment — even as mobility within our society continues to change with autonomous driving and vehicle electrification.
Passenger Focused Technologies
Driving is fun, right? Lexus doesn’t want to forget that very important tenant as they present electrified concepts like the LF-30. The new advanced posture control (and other tech) focuses on driving pleasure. Their efforts in hybrid technology will play integral role in such goals. Notes and learnings from Lexus’ popular range of gasoline-electric hybrids including battery management, power control modules, and electric motors will only serve to improve their vision for electrification.
Lexus LF-30 Electrified Highlights
The LF-30 concept is the first design revealed to embody the Lexus Electrified vision. The LF-30 Electrified employs a new concept cockpit based on human-centric design philosophy and a steer-by-wire system. The exterior visually expresses the energy created by the wheels set at the corners of the vehicle body streaming toward the vehicle cabin and past the driver to then directly flow onto the road surface.
The shape of the body is fashioned with an elegantly flowing front which transitions into a linear and sharp rear. The window glass, which continually stretches from the front to rear, the muscular fenders, and the wing-shaped headlights form the contours of the Lexus iconic spindle. In addition to the wing-shaped headlights, the sharpness of the rear lights and side air intakes combine to achieve both excellent aerodynamics and cooling performance, resulting in styling fused with function.
Another innovative design feature, meant to personalize and enhance the passenger experience, is that the opacity of the side windows can be freely adjusted for both expansive views and then privacy when wanted.
Color Choice
The color of the front face of the vehicle and luminescence patterns help identify from the outside whether the vehicle is being operated in its normal mode or in its autonomous driving mode, reflecting Lexus’ pursuit of both a high level of styling and functionality. The exterior color ‘voltaic sky’ employs a leading-edge metal-infused coating to achieve a unique quality tinted by a touch of blue-green.
Tazuna
We’ve briefly mentioned a new cockpit design, which is officially termed “Tazuna,” inspired by how a single rein can be used to achieve mutual understanding between the horse and rider. The steering controller-mounted switches and heads-up display have been coordinated to a high degree, creating a space that enables the driver to focus on driving while controlling various functions, such as the navigation and audio system and driving-mode selection, without having to shift one’s vision or operate manual switches. The resulting interior is one that provides comfort and convenience for both driver and passengers.
Augmented-Reality
Various AR technologies have been employed inside for futuristic and completely responsive experience for the driver and their passengers. The new cockpit design includes gesture control and enhanced presentation of vehicle information through AR.
AR tech can also be found in the glass roof. A glass roof above the rear seats features voice control and a gesture-controlled “SkyGate” display window that uses AR to display various types of information, such as a realistic star-filled sky, user-favorite videos, and even navigation.
Learn More
To stay up to date on Lexus’ recently announced concept and electrification bookmark News.ParkPlace.com and follow Lexus (Lexus USA, Lexus Grapevine, and Lexus Plano) on Facebook and Instagram.
Experiences. They are what we surround ourselves with each and every day and they are the foundation of some of the most memorable times in our lives. It’s what Lexus has preached about most since day one and now they are taking it to a whole new level.
Off-Road Adventure
Lexus is excited to announce their new partnership with Blackberry Mountain Proprietor, Mary Celeste Beall, and are proud to unveil the Lexus Off-Road Adventure at the Relais & Châteaux-designated resort, as it becomes the newest addition to the Lexus Hotel Partner Program.
Imagine channeling your inner adrenaline junkie side as you set sail on an off-roading adventure in the beautiful natural surroundings of the 5,200 acre property in the driver’s seat of the latest Lexus GX.
If you’re a thrill-seeking adventurer, then Lexus has set this up to be the trip of a lifetime. There are six off-road challenges—Rock Crawl, Side Tilt, Hill Climb and Descent, Balance Beams, Log Crawl and Axle Twist. Throughout the Lexus Off-Road Adventure, guests experience the many innovative technology systems of the Lexus GX as they’re shown landmarks and majestic waypoints to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee Valley.
When choosing a partnership, Lexus was adamant that it must be someone who shares the same core values for their clients- a passion for delivering experiences.
“Our GX 460 has off-road capabilities that few luxury SUVs can match, and there’s no better way to experience them than a drive on this rugged and scenic trail,” said Lisa Materazzo, Vice President of Lexus Marketing.
So next time you look at a Lexus and think it’s just a “daily driver”- think again!
Color and emotion are uniquely tied together (check out our post on the Power of Color) and the right shade or hue can elevate any already polished and luxe experience to a higher level. Cue the Lexus LS 500 Inspiration Series demonstrating the true power of color with a limited-production interior and exterior combo.
Only 300 units of this LS Inspiration series will be produced.
The 2020 LS 500 is set to arrive this fall, featuring a deep Garnet Color for the first time (see photos). This is the fourth Inspiration Series vehicle from Lexus, but the LS 500 is the first sedan to have this exclusive treatment. The Deep Garnet exterior is a deep, metallic shade of red.
To compliment this lustrous red are standard 20-inch wheels finished in Black Vapor Chrome. Similar to the body color, the wheels will catch the sunlight for a hint of glimmer, all while retaining a polished look that accentuates the elegant features of the LS.
Interior Details
The interior begins with standard White leather trim on the seats, center console, and door panels. The dying process on the semi-analine leather gives a bright white contrast to the black dashboard, steering wheel and carpet. Kirko glass, origionally only available with the executive package, now comes standard in this limited-edition design as a trim on the door panels.
LED dash lighting and Lexus puddle lamps welcome you at each door.
Coming this Fall
Like all 2020 LS 500s, the Inspiration Series is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers that develop 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. In RWD form, the LS 500 delivers a 0-60 time of 4.6seconds.The available AWD system features a TORSEN®limited-slip center differential to further enhance grip, traction and cornering stability.
Limited to just 300 units in the U.S., the 2020 LS 500 Inspiration Edition goes on sale this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were nearly 6.5 million reported crashes in 2017 (the most recent available data) many of which were avoidable. Collisions that result in injury can often be caused by a delay in a driver’s recognition of the situation and his or her ability to react accordingly.
In a move to help prevent such accidents before they happen, the Lexus Safety System+ will be a standard feature in all US Lexus vehicles starting with the 2020 model year.
“We are working toward preventing crashes before they happen,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division.“ That’s why we have developed some of the most advanced safety features on the road today, and now those systems will be standard equipment on every model we sell.”
Designed to help protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians, the Lexus Safety System+ is an integrated suite of four advanced active safety packages anchored by automated pre-collision warning and braking. They include:
Pre-Collison System with Pedestrian Detection
This system is engineered to help detect a preceding vehicle or a pedestrian in front of the Lexus under certain conditions. Should the system detect a pedestrian or a potential frontal collision, it’s designed to activate an audible and visual alert while automatically preparing Brake Assist for an increased braking response. If the driver does not brake in time, the system is designed to automatically begin braking before impact and, in some cases, can even bring the vehicle to a stop.
Lane Departure Alert
This system utilizes a high-resolution camera to monitor visible lane markings and determine the vehicle’s position within a lane. If an inadvertent lane departure or potential departure due to swaying is detected at speeds above 32 mph, the system attempts to alert the driver with audio and visual warnings and steering wheel vibrations.
Intelligent High Beams
To help provide added visibility for the Lexus driver as well as other motorists, Intelligent High Beams offer added illumination to help keep the driver focused on the road. When the road ahead is clear, the system defaults to high-beam mode, then temporarily switches to low beams when it detects the headlamps or taillamps of vehicles ahead.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
This system uses radar and camera technology to help maintain a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead. If driving at highway speeds and the road ahead clears, the vehicle returns to its preset speed.
A Future-Focused History of Commitment to Safety
Offering Lexus Safety System+ standard in the entire Lexus lineup all its vehicles represents the latest milestone in the brand’s 30-year history of creating and providing advancements and innovations in safety – designed to help prevent crashes and protect people. “A world without crashes is what we envision,” notes Christ. “It’s an ambitious goal, but one we’re committed to achieve.”
Additional groundbreaking Lexus safety innovations include crash testing ingenuity and real-world safety.
Total Human Model for Safety
The development of many Lexus vehicle safety features benefits from the Total Human Model for Safety, or THuMS, virtual crash dummy software. Unlike typical dummy models which provide 119 data points, THuMS provides millions of data points and represents actual humans in detail, including the outer shape as well as bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and internal organs¾enough to detect even a scrape or bruise. This means crash tests can be conducted to determine the impact on¾and solutions for¾an unprecedented number of potential collisions on a nearly endless variety of humans, from large to small, young to old, and even gender differences. THuMS technology represents such a breakthrough in human safety, that it has been shared with a dozen other automakers and research labs around the world.
Advanced Driving Simulator
Developed to better understand driver behavior, Lexus designed and built one of the world’s most advanced driving simulators. A massive, multidimensional structure covering a space the size of a football field, this futuristic simulator can travel the equivalent of 186 miles per hour, tilt up to 30 degrees, and move in six directions at once. Inside, ordinary drivers—in an actual Lexus vehicle—navigate their way through a 360-degree virtual world. This allows their reactions to be analyzed in real-world situations without real-world consequences.
Learn more about Lexus Safety Technology at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano.
Park Place Lexus Grapevine embraces service tech and his family after deployment.
The story began last spring. In April 2018, U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant Joseph Rasey left North Texas for a deployment to Kuwait, leaving behind his pregnant wife Megan and two toddlers. While Sgt. Rasey was deployed, Megan gave birth to their third child, Hannah, last August, while the two older girls Josie-Anna and Martha-Eden celebrated their first and third birthdays, respectively.
On April 30, 2019, Rasey resumed his job as a service technician at Park Place Lexus Grapevine. But Park Place did much more than just hold Rasey’s job for him. They took care of his family while he was deployed.
“Joseph is part of our Park Place family,” said Gary Venner, Park Place Lexus Grapevine general manager. “So that makes Megan and the girls family, too. I can’t imagine how much this family has sacrificed for him to go and serve our country. We’re very proud of him. And we’re glad he’s home safe. We’re very happy to have him back in the shop.”
Before Rasey deployed, Park Place held a going away party for him at the Grapevine dealership
While Sgt. Rasey was deployed, Park Place Lexus Grapevine threw both girls a birthday party where the dealership gave them toys and books featuring their daddy’s voice so they could feel his presence while he was away.
“Park Place has proven they’re family,” said Joseph Rasey. “They took such loving care of my family while I was gone. There was never a question where I would work when I got back. Without doubt, Park Place is MY place.”
Sgt. Rasey just finished his third deployment. He also served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea. He was active duty for more than eight years before joining the U.S. Army Reserves.
Located at 901 East State Highway 114, off Minters Chapel Road, Park Place Lexus Grapevine is has been recognized as an Elite of Texas dealer 11 years in a row, and received a number one national ranking for customer satisfaction. In 2005, Park Place Lexus was the first automotive dealership to ever be awarded the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.
Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.
Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation Escapes to Margaritaville
With a playful theme of “Escape to Margaritaville,” fans filled the Hilton Anatole ballroom May 5th looking for rare treasures, unbridled laughter and fun encounters with their favorite players and coaches at the sold-out 2019 Park Place Dealerships – Texas Rangers Triple Play Game Show Spectacular. And the Rangers hit a grand slam!
“The Park Place Dealerships – Texas Rangers Triple Play has always been our largest fundraising event and this year’s total made a record $770,000,” said Karin Morris, executive director of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. “The funds raised at this event directly impact our programming and partnerships. Since last year’s event, we have welcomed more than 25,000 kids to the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex, presented by Toyota.”
The annual event featured Texas Rangers players, coaches, broadcasters, and alumni. Fans enjoyed unparalleled access to their favorite Rangers for autographs, photos and lively baseball conversations with a player, coach, former Rangers player or staff member seated at their table.
“This is the 15th year Park Place has been involved in this event and every year it surpasses our expectations,” said Jordan Case, Park Place Dealerships president. “Supporting the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation ensures children throughout North Texas will have opportunities to succeed through scholarships, new training facilities, and programs. Together, we are making our community stronger.”
(L to R) Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation executive director Karin Morris; and Park Place Dealerships president Jordan Case; with one of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club owners, Rangers COO and chairman of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation Board Neil Leibman; Park Place Lexus Grapevine GM Gary Venner; Rangers manager Chris Woodward; and his wife, Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation Advisory board member Erin Woodward. Photo Credit: Michael Ainsworth
The live and silent auctions raised more than $225,000, also a record. The highest amount in the live auction was a $31,000 bid for a trip on a private jet with Hall of Fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez to see the Rangers play against the Angels in Anaheim. The amount was doubled when the Rangers agreed to allow both of the two top bidders to take the trip for a total of $62,000 for the dream trip.
Other notable experiences included a roadtrip to Boston to see the Rangers play the Red Sox that included transportation on the team plane and dining with Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley; a trip to the Dominican Republic for a tour of the Rangers’ new Baseball Academy; private hitting and pitching lessons with current Rangers players, and many other exclusive experiences. Memorabilia from the worlds of sports and entertainment included a license plate signed by the stars of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off;” a framed photo autographed by legendary players Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio; an autographed seat back from the original Texas Stadium; a photo signed by the cast of “The Sandlot;” and countless signed jerseys and equipment from a wide range of sports.
Fans and players competed against each other in a spirited game of Heads or Tails. Tim Willett, auctioneer, would flip a coin and contestants placed their hands on either their head or derriere. If the coin landed on tails, all those with hands on their heads would sit down.
– Rangers players (L-toR) Rougned Odor, Elvis Andrus, Joey Gallo and Hunter Pence play Heads or Tails
Contestants were eliminated round by round until only two people were left on stage. Willett tossed the coin for one final flip, and Leta Farnsworth won tickets to the Paul McCartney and Billy Joel concerts later this year at Globe Life Park.
The highlight of the evening is always when the players compete in a pair of game shows. The entertainment began with a new game: Heads Up, where a player holds a card up to their forehead with a word or name written on it. Their teammates then give them clues to try to guess the answer. Rangers pitchers Jesse Chavez and Chris Martin were teamed up with catcher Jeff Mathis to battle Rangers’ bullpen coach Oscar Marin and pitchers Shelby Miller and Drew Smyly. The resulting antics were hilarious as players stammered and shouted answers under pressure as they tried to beat the clock. Jesse Chavez was holding a card with “Kanye West” on it and his teammates prompted him with, “Kim Kardashian’s husband!” To which Chavez replied, “Chloe?” The audience erupted in laughter.
The Rangers’ rookies never fail to entertain. Kyle Dowdy, Brett Martin, Adrian Sampson and Ariel Jurado performed a hysterical skit to “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X, featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. Don’t worry. They won’t be taking this show on the road any time soon. But it certainly made for some memorable moments.
Rangers’ rookies Kyle Dowdy, Brett Martin, Adrian Sampson and Ariel Jurado perform a skit (Photo by Michael Ainsworth)
If you think the Rangers are competitive on the field, imagine what happens when the infielders match wits with the outfielders in Fielders Feud, a popular spinoff of the popular Family Feud TV game show. Players tried to guess the top answers given by 100 Rangers fans in a survey taken at Globe Life Park. Both teams were stumped when it came time to guess the fans’ responses to the question, “What are your favorite memories from Globe Life Park?”
Rangers Hall of Fame broadcaster Eric Nadel moderates Fielders Feud with Infielders Isiah Kiner-Falefa , Logan Forsythe, Rougned Odor and Elvis Andrus competing against Outfielders Hunter Pence, Delino DeShields Jr, Joey Gallo and Nomar Mazara
Players were able to match answers such as “Beltre’s 3000th hit” and “Striking out A-Rod in the ALCS.” But the crowd let out a gasp when “Rougie’s Punch” was not one of the top answers.
“The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation was recognized last year with the Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence for our Richard Greene Scholars program,” concluded Karin Morris. “As part of this recognition, the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will receive a $10,000 grant from Major League Baseball Charities.”
Named after the former Mayor of Arlington who led the campaign to keep the Rangers in Arlington and construct Globe Life Park, the Richard Greene Scholars program provides a $10,000 scholarship every year to a student at each of the Arlington ISD high schools. During the recipient’s senior year, he/she rotates through an internship every six weeks at different community service and local government entities.
Now in its 22nd year of operation, the Richard Greene Scholars program has provided more than $1.2 million in college scholarships to Arlington high school students. In addition to financial aid, the program has become a cornerstone leadership development program by engaging recipients with local civic and business communities, including Arlington ISD, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the City of Arlington, the Texas Rangers and the Rangers Baseball Foundation, and several other civic partners.
Since its inception in 1991, the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation has invested more than $30 million in our community to help children through support of programs including the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex, presented by Toyota; youth fitness and wellness programs like the just keep livin programs; scholarships and summer programming for children in challenging circumstances.
Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.
If you are visiting a Park Place Lexus dealership this summer, expect the 2019 Lexus RX SUV to be a bright spot. The best-selling Lexus model will be in hot demand for SUV enthusiasts and luxury vehicle fans.
1. Design
The 2019 RX features an immaculate interior to capture the draw of your attention around the cabin. Form-fitting seats and smooth finished wood trim surround the seating areas. There’s enough room for five individuals inside the RX models in addition to plenty of trunk space for several golf bags or four large suitcases. If you plan to hit the golf course or travel around the country this summer, the 2019 RX is a fantastic summer pick up.
For larger family trips, one should consider the RXL, which provides a third-row to seat two additional occupants. Seating seven people offers additional flexibility for families looking to cut back from using two vehicles during vacations. During the heat of the summer, back row passengers will also appreciate multi-zone climate control.
2. Performance
2019 RX drivers would enjoy two potential driving experiences with the 350 and 450h Hybrid. The RX350 continues to provide a powerful V6 engine with 295HP and 268 lb-ft of torque. If you prefer the gas/electric version, the RX450h offers 308 combined EPA-estimated fuel efficiency with 30 mpg combined EPA-estimated fuel economy.
Drivers also maintain exceptional control over the RX with several driving modes available from “Normal,” “Sport,” “Eco,” and “Sport S” as standard modes for the RX350. The RX450h Hybrid enables EV mode for electric power at lower speeds for short distances. For any F-Sport drivers, the F-Sport package adds the “Sport S+” and “Customize” mode for an enhanced athletic drive.
3. Safety
Thanks in part to the Lexus Safety System+, drivers can appreciate fewer collisions with advanced safety equipment. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection anticipates individuals or a potential frontal collision with an audible or visible alert. These innovation along with several others contribute to the all-wheel drive Lexus RX350 and RX450 models both achieving 5 stars for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety ratings.
4. Multimedia
To stream all the hot summer soundtracks or search for popular vacation destinations, the Lexus RX models offer an efficient multimedia system. RX drivers can enjoy an 8-inch screen with HD radio, Bluetooth audio, voice recognition, two USB ports, and more. Drivers can upgrade from a 9-speaker audio system to a 12-speaker premium audio system with a 12.3 inch screen and full navigation.
If you are interested in the 2019 RX350 or 2019 RX450 Hybrid model, visit the Park Place website for inventory options.
Carroll Education Foundation (CEF) has been integral in supplementing funds for teachers and educators to bridge the gap between state funding and the needs of the teachers to provide a quality education to Dragon students. For the past 11 years, Park Place Dealerships has supported CEF and will be the presenting sponsor of the Carroll Education Foundation Gala next month.
With a theme of “A Night with Carroll Superstars,” the CEF Gala will be held Saturday, May 18 at The Bowden in Keller. The CISD Superstar Teachers will be revealed. The event is already 85% sold. More information is available at carrolleducationfoundation.org/annual-gala/
Gary Venner, Robert Hinkle, Kathy Talley, Leighanne Christon and Matt Woolsey at the Carroll Education Foundation reception at Park Place Motorcars in Grapevine, Texas on April 4 2019. (Michael Ainsworth)
A kick-off reception was recently held at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine in conjunction with the launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan and the new GLE SUV.
Starting at a base price of $33,000, the sporty new A-Class is the entry-level luxury compact for today’s tech-savvy driver. With advanced voice recognition software, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the car responds to commands and requests much like the smart phones. Powered by a turbocharged inline 4-cyclinder engine that pumps out 188 horsepower, and driven by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual shifting, this peppy sedan can go from 0-to-60 mph in about six seconds.
The fourth-generation GLE, priced at $58,000, is king of the mid-sized SUVs. Standing tall on the new “Modular High Architecture” platform, the GLE looks great and performs even better. Both come with Mercedes’ nine-speed automatic transmission.
Both models also feature dual 12.3-inch screens mounted side by side on the dash, one for virtual gauges and the other for the infotainment touchscreen. Simply say, “Hey, Mercedes,” and the new MBUX system’s voice-command feature will respond to commands such as “Find the nearest restaurant,” and it will set the destination in the navigation system. Say, “I’m cold,” and it’ll raise the interior temperature. Like your smart phone, the more you use it the more it gets to know your preferences.
ABOUT CARROLL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Carroll Education Foundation’s mission is to build financial support from the community and corporate partners to ensure excellence in education for all students in CISD.
ABOUT PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS
Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. For more info, visit parkplace.com.
Park Place Dealerships revealed its new mobile pop up at the 2019 DFW Auto Show this past March. The Mobile Experience Unit will be used across DFW at events throughout North Texas to bring the Park Place brand directly to the automotive enthusiast.
“The mobile pop up gives us the opportunity to expand the presence of our brand beyond the parameters of the dealership,” said Dave Evans, Chief Marketing Officer at Park Place Dealerships. “Experiences play a huge role with customers today and are the main drivers of customer engagement. We believe the mobile pop up allows us to engage with the consumer wherever we want to take it.”
During the DFW Auto Show, the pop up will be onsite to deliver an inclusionary experience for everyone who stops to visit the Park Place area. The mobile unit has already provided innovative experiences for clients at both the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase and at the COTA track.
Park Place continues to be an innovator in the automotive space by developing unique offerings to expose current and potential clients to the brands. In the past year, Park Place introduced and expanded Park Place Select, an automotive subscription service.
“As a company, we must be in tune with where our clients spend their time and how they use their vehicles,” remarked Evans. “Our client’s transportation needs are as diverse as they are, and range from attending festivals and sporting events to shuttling friends and family to racing their cars, or simply enjoying life. We expect the mobile pop up will help us deliver an unparalleled, client-focused experience.”
Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.
