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Park Place Brings Real-World Experience into Lewisville ISD Classroom

Park Place Dealerships provides Lewisville ISD Automotive Technology program new equipment, tools, mentors and hands-on career opportunities

Automotive programs in high schools have come a long way in the past 30 years. Think back to dimly lit, unorganized, dirty shops where students were challenged by outdated technology and insufficient tools.

Thanks to a unique public-private partnership, Lewisville ISD has a team of teaching professionals who engage students daily and work with companies like Park Place Dealerships, an auto industry leader, to prepare students for real-world applications.  

“The community engagement with Park Place gives us access to current technology and information so we are teaching our students the most up to date material,” explained Doug Emery, Automotive Technology Instructor at Lewisville ISD’s Career Center East. “We want to make sure our students are familiar with the systems, technology and equipment that dealerships are using to ensure our students are successful in the marketplace.”

Park Place is continually looking to develop the highest quality technicians for its 17 full-service dealerships located across Dallas-Fort Worth, while Lewisville ISD is always seeking career opportunities for students. This innovative public-private partnership between Park Place and Lewisville ISD provides access to master technicians, general managers, human resources, talent acquisition, service managers, and leadership from the 2000-member company.

There are tangible benefits to the students. Park Place hired seven 2018 graduates of the program as technicians at its Jaguar/Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus dealerships in Grapevine.

“The program really helped me choose a path,” said Raul Martinez, one of the 2018 grads currently working at Park Place Jaguar/Land Rover Grapevine. “Before, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I was sort of lost.  When we started working on cars I realized this was something I really enjoyed doing.”

Park Place also brings experts from different areas of the industry into the classroom as mentors.

“As we grow, we are continually looking for individuals that can be successful in our industry,” said Tony Carimi, vice-president of Operations for Park Place. “Our industry is quickly evolving so we want to expose students to the latest technology and advances in a real-world environment that focuses on personal attention and strong mentorships.”

Working with the teachers, Park Place is fully engaged with interviewing students, branding the shop with graphics of high-end manufacturers’ logos, connecting with parents and district representatives and speaking at events.

“Park Place technicians who have been in the field a long time have come into our classroom,” explained Travis Sutton, the LISD program’s other Automotive Technology Instructor. “They bring first-hand knowledge of what our students can expect, how things work and what they’ll experience in the shop. Park Place upper management comes into the classroom to tell our students they can have more than a job – they can have a career. It shows the students that what they’re learning on campus transfers directly out there.”

Park Place has a similar partnership with the John Dubiski Career High School in Grand Prairie ISD. Students are fully engaged with Park Place and a dozen students have been hired to full-time positions after graduation.

“We’re always looking to the future,” concluded Carimi. “The auto industry is evolving at a more rapid pace than ever before in its 100-plus-year history. With alternative energy sources, computerized systems and autonomous vehicles, the need for a highly educated and well-trained workforce is more important than ever. Park Place is determined to remain the leaders within our industry.”

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 represents luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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My Mercedes-Benz Saved My Life

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth Mercedes-Benz E-300
 helps local woman avoid catastrophe on US-75

“My car saved my life!” exclaimed Pamela Haney. “On the afternoon of Monday, July 9th, I was entering Central Expressway at Lovers Lane via the entrance ramp. The speed limit on US-75 is 70 mph, so I was accelerating when the car in front of me suddenly peels off, revealing a flatbed tow truck stranded on the entrance ramp.”

Ms. Haney’s 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-300 is equipped with automatic braking and evasive steering assist to avoid or mitigate a crash. This safety feature in Mercedes-Benz has been bundled with forward-collision warning for a while, but the newer E-class models initiate braking earlier when the system detects an evasive maneuver is not practical.

“I didn’t even have time to react,” continued Haney, owner of Productivity Solutions, a North Texas paralegal services company. “I instinctively braced for impact as I saw the flatbed was going to come right through my windshield. My E-300 stopped the car for me! It didn’t skid. It didn’t waver or shimmy. It just stopped on a dime! I sat there for a minute stunned with the steel bed just inches from my face. I looked up and the guys in the tow truck were looking back with their mouths open. I’m sure they thought I was a goner! In all seriousness, had I not been in this car, I probably would be dead.”

The Pre-Safe Protection System offers Supplemental Brake Assist Plus and Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition. A stereo camera and a series of long, medium and short-range radars monitors the area in front of the vehicle. The information is processed in a control unit to provide supplemental or autonomous braking to prevent collisions. Haney has been a Park Place client for more than 10 years. She raves about the consistent level of professionalism at the Fort Worth dealership. “I’ve never felt pressured,” she said. “I always feel safe and secure.”

“I am thankful Mercedes-Benz is an industry leader in safety features and our team of technicians are experts in keeping every vehicle in prime condition,” said Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth General Manager George Johnson. “I shared Pamela’s story with our whole team because they can be proud of the brand and dealership they represent.”

“You better believe I’m not ambivalent any more about the technology in my car,” gushed Haney. “I love, love, love my car! I’m a loyal Mercedes-Benz customer for life. And there’s no dissuading me from keeping my business at Park Place!”

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth is located at 5601 Bryant Irvin Road, just south of I-20 and west of the Chisholm Trail Parkway.

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 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. A new Porsche dealership will open in Grapevine this summer. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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The Mercedes- Maybach S 650: The Most Luxurious S-Class on the Market

The 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S650 is full of cutting-edge technology and is the most luxurious four-door auto offered by Mercedes-Benz, coming in at an MSRP of $198,700.

The Most Luxurious S-Class on the Market

The 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S650 is full of cutting-edge technology and is the most luxurious four-door auto offered by Mercedes-Benz, coming in at an MSRP of $198,700.  This year saw the Maybach undergo an exterior refresh, including a new front apron ringed in chrome, taillamps with the “Stardust” effect, and an extended body.

The Maybach S650 houses a handcrafted 6.0L V12 Biturbo engine with an output of 738 lb-ft of torque. Technology updates to the transmission, including two overdrive ratios, allow for enhanced highway fuel efficiency. 

MAGIC BODY CONTROL® ensures a proactive, fully-active suspension.  The camera-based Road Surface scan eyes the road ahead to prepare the suspension before the wheels make contact with any bumps or dips in the road.  The car can gently hug and lean into corners, much like a skiier on the slopes, thanks to its CURVE functionality. The technology reduces the force felt due to external conditions, providing each passenger with a luxury experience from every seat no matter the surroundings.

Bringing User Experience to the Highest Level

The Maybach’s most notable feature remains its elongated wheelbase, which sits nearly eight inches longer than its Mercedes-Benz S Class counterpart.

The S650 interior greets the driver with a fully digital cockpit, accented with topstitched Nappa leather, which is even included on the Maybach’s ceiling. Described as the contrast between “high-level sportiness” and “luxurious spaciousness”, the Maybach is the showcase of a luxury model. A pair of high-resolution widescreens display all virtual gauges, vital information, infotainment controls, and the realistic animations of driving systems provide an unparalleled user experience. Screens are now displayed behind a single piece of glass, resulting in a sleeker cosmetic appearance. For further user customization, approximately 300 LEDs bring a unique sense of environment to the cabin- all without the use of a single conventional lightbulb. Not only does this feature provide a unique aesthetic moment, but the lighting concept also promotes a safer and less stressful environment for all aboard the Maybach.

Determined to cut down on the headache of dealing with cables on the go, the ’18 model introduces wireless phone charging to the mix. Charging can be automatically initiated by laying a phone face up on the mat located in the center. Located in the center console, charging can be automatically initiated by laying a phone face up on the charging mat.

The Best Seat in the House

The Maybach returns one of the most comfortable backseat passenger experiences, making it the heart and soul of the model. The vehicle’s extra length increases rear seat legroom, allowing for full extension of the power-operated leg rests, and a rare spacious back-seat experience for passengers.

The rear compartment includes temperature controlled seats, built-in massage features that offer two modes with a “hot stone” treatment, heated armrests, and a two-screen entertainment system. Entertainment screens attached to the front seatbacks offer rear passengers their own set of infotainment controls, as well as individual sets of wireless headphones.

For those wanting to push the backseat options further, the Maybach offers individual seat arrangements, folding tray tables, and a refrigerated box for added luxury.

Targeting those who place value on impeccable luxury, Mercedes-Maybach sets the bar for “exclusivity and individuality”, celebrating the blend of luxury comfort and perfect craftsmanship, and the illuminated door sills serve to remind any who enter the vehicle, of the kind of luxury experience they’re about to embark on.

The Maybach has officially graced the Park Place Motorcars Dallas showroom floors, so if you have any questions or inquiries regarding the most luxurious Mercedes Sedan. 

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2018 Park Place Dealerships – Texas Rangers Triple Play Game Show Spectacular Raises $750,000

Fundraiser Benefits Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation’s Efforts to Help Area Youth

In keeping with the “Sultan’s Soirée” theme, magic-filled The Hilton Anatole ballroom for the Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play Game Show Spectacular event.

Bedazzled and bejeweled, the Texas Rangers largest fundraising event of the year featured a roaming snake charmer and an opportunity for a photo op with a camel. Wishes were granted as fans met their diamond heroes and bid on trips they’d only dreamed about their whole lives. But the biggest winners of the 2018 Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play are the kids that will benefit from the nearly $750,000 raised for the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.

 Texas Rangers Foundation Triple Play at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

 

“This was one of the most successful Triple Play events we’ve ever had,” said Karin Morris, executive director of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. “Demand for our exclusive experiences in the live auction was so strong that we were able to duplicate several of the trips to double the amount raised. Our Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex, which was only a dream just a few years ago, is open and serving kids from across North Texas because of funds raised from previous years of the Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play.”

The event featured attendance by Texas Rangers players, coaches, broadcasters, and alumni. Fans enjoyed unparalleled access to their favorite Rangers for autographs, photos and just chatting about baseball.

“We’re very proud to be associated with such a worthy cause,” said Gary Venner, general manager of Park Place Lexus Grapevine. “Seeing how the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation has grown over the years, and all the great things they are doing for kids, makes this one of our favorite charitable events of the year.”

The highlight of the evening was the Rangers players competing against each other in a pair of hilarious game shows. This year’s competitions included the fan favorite Fielders Feud and Wheel of Fortune. The teams were made up of the following players: Fielders Feud: Infielders: Elvis Andrus, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Joey Gallo, and Jurickson Profar. Outfielders: Shin-Soo Choo, Delino DeShields, Nomar Mazara, and Ryan Rua. The infielders dominated Fielders Feud, emceed by Hall of Fame announcer Eric Nadel. The crowd roared with laughter at some of the players’ answers and the witty banter between them.

Texas Rangers Foundation Triple Play at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Fox Sports Southwest Field Reporter Emily Jones hosted Wheel of Fortune, which matched a trio of two-man teams against each other: Team #1 Tony Barnette and Jake Diekman; Team #2 Jesse Chavez and Chris Martin; Team #3 Doug Fister and Kevin Jepsen. Pitchers Fister and Jepsen were obviously on the same wavelength as they handily won Wheel of Fortune.

Texas Rangers Foundation Triple Play at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Among the items available for bidding in the live auction were a trip to Los Angeles to watch the Rangers play the Los Angeles Dodgers; a trip to Boston for the Rangers – Red Sox series at Fenway Park; a trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley aboard Rangers owner Neil Liebman’s private jet; and a five-day hunting and fishing trip to Argentina hosted by former Ranger All-Star Jim Kern.

In addition, the silent auction featured a Top Golf experience with Delino DeShields, on-field instruction and game-type experience hosted by Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister, private hitting and pitching lessons with current Rangers players, and many other exclusive experiences. In addition, there were rare and unusual autographed memorabilia items from across the sports and entertainment worlds.

ABOUT THE TEXAS RANGERS BASEBALL FOUNDATION: Since its inception in 1991, the 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 health and wellness programs like the just keep livin programs, educational programs such as the Richard Greene Scholars program, and support of the military and first responders and their families.

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 representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. A new Porsche dealership will open in Grapevine this summer. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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Your Top Selling Mercedes-Benz Receives Upgrades for 2019

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is officially the manufacturer’s top-selling model for four years in a row with worldwide sales reaching 415,000 in 2017. The 2019 sedan made its global debut at the 2018 Geneva Autoshow, premiering increased power output and extended driver assistance programs.

A More Powerful Engine

14 horsepower has been added with a new 2.0-liter inline -4 turbo engine that produces 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.  A 9G-TRONIC 9-Speed automatic transmission creates a more dynamic driving experience. The transmission transfers torque using fluid instead of a mechanical clutch, which reduces fuel consumption and increases driving performance and comfort.

Expressive Exterior

The refreshed C-Class combines emotion with intelligence, beginning with a redesigned front and LED headlamps and tail lamps, now standard in the C-Class Sedan. The modifications to the front and rear bumpers and additions of AMG-Line features create more expressive and dynamic character. The headlamps personify Mercedes-Benz attention detail with its clean-lined contours. Finally, on the exterior, two additional paint colors have been added including Mojave Silver Metallic and Emerald Green Metallic.

Interior Upgrades and Options

The interior received some fine-tuning to amp-up the driver experience and re-interpret modern luxury. The center console trim is now available in Walnut Wood or Natural Grain Grey Oak Wood, but any option will yield the look of flowing elegance. The 3D real wood veneer in the center console combines a hand-crafted character with a modern feel. Magma Grey/Black upholstery is newly available for the interior, as is Saddle Brown and Silk Beige/Black for the AMG-Line Interior.

The Display Concept: C-Class Adopts S-Class Features

A notable upgrade in the C-Class sedan includes an optional fully digital instrument display equipped with three different display styles: Classic, Sport, and Progressive. The base model provides a standard 5-inch display, but an upgrade to the fully digital instrument display will yield a 12.3-inch screen with an intense resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. The central display is available in two sizes, a 7-inch standard display screen and an optional 10.25-inch COMAND® display screen.

State-of-the-Art Active Safety

The updated C-Class features the latest driver assistance systems available in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, offering the driver cooperative support and providing for a higher standard of active safety than its predecessor. The C-Class is able to drive semi-autonomously (in certain situations), by keeping a close eye on traffic with improved camera and radar systems allow it to see up to 1,640 feet ahead. The vehicle’s surroundings are scanned by radar across a distance of up to 820 feet to the front, 130 feet to the sides, and 260 feet to the rear, while with the camera a range of up to 1,640 feet is possible to the front, including 295 feet in 3D. 

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be available at the end of 2018, so stay tuned to Mercedes-Benz USA and Park Place Dealerships for more information and news.

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Mark Your Calendars: The Premier DFW Luxury Lifestyle and Automotive Event Returns October 2018

 Dallas-Fort Worth’s premier luxury lifestyle and automotive event will return this fall to the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. The second annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase is set for 10 am – 4 pm Saturday, October 13, 2018. 

“Last year’s event, celebrating our 30th anniversary, was such a huge success, we decided to bring the event back again in 2018,” said Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships Chairman and CEO. “New for this year is the expansion of the show onto the fairway of the TPC Four Seasons Championship golf course. There will be more luxury partners in the entertainment pavilion. Guests will experience fashion, tantalizing food, crafted drinks and an amazing line up of vintage, classic, modern, and supercars all set within the incredible backdrop of the Four Seasons.” 

The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, which sold out in its inaugural year, is open to the public with tickets ranging from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, including the VIP Lounge with complimentary food and beverages. Tickets are available online at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.

The event benefits the Momentous Institute, owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, which is committed to building and repairing social and emotional health for children so they can achieve their full potential. Each year, the organization directly serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services. 

Within the family-friendly event will be a juried Collector’s Showcase featuring a diverse selection of rare supercars, luxury, and classic cars from private collectors. Trophies designed by Dallas sculptor Brad Oldham, best known for the Traveling Man installation in Deep Ellum, will be awarded to Best of Show, Chairman’s Choice and Salesmanship Club Choice winners. Trophies will also be given to Best In Class and First and Second Place winners in each of the individual categories. 

The event will feature fashion from Highland Park Village, live music, specialty boutiques, and a Kid’s Concours area presented by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, featuring the North Texas Diecast Collectors Club’s interactive Hot Wheels track, freshly popped popcorn, soda pop truck and games. 

Park Place represents some of the most coveted manufacturers in the world, including Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Lotus, which also will be featured at the event.

Partners include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Urban Realty Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate, Celebrity Cruises, Absolut Elyx, GH Mumm Champagne, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB, The Trade Group, Brad Oldham Sculpture, Hagerty Insurance, Garages of Texas, Perks & Provisions, Lilium Florals, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades, Promo Resources Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, ExxonMobil, D Magazine, NBC 5, as well as Patron Magazine.

Participating restaurants to date in the VIP lounge include LAW, OUTLAW Taproom, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Taverna, Bistro 31, Kāi, Toulouse Café and Bar, Cool River Café and Make Your Life Sweeter. 

 

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. A new Porsche dealership will open in Grapevine this summer. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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What To Do This Weekend: The 2018 DFW Auto Show

Park Place Dealerships and a multitude of luxury automotive manufacturers have set the stage with stellar lineups of automotive’s ‘best’. Park Place Dealerships, one of the only dealership groups to make an appearance, are back and ready to share our exceptional vehicles with spectators, experts, enthusiasts, and up-and-coming aficionados alike. 

Here is a preview of some of the show-stopping models brought by the Park Place Premier Collection, that you will experience at this year’s auto show: 

  • 2018 Bentley Bentayga: Far more than good. Far more than fast. And currently not occupied in any current class, evidenced by its 600hp, twin-turbocharged W12 motor, 8-speed gearbox, and one of the most advanced all-wheel-drive systems ever developed.
  • Lotus Evora 400: A true picture of Lotus sportscar tradition of high-performance power and precision handling. Developed on the racetrack to be perfect on the road with its lightweight construction, exceptional agility, aerodynamic styling, and uncompromising performance.
  • Mclaren Sport Series featuring the McLaren 570s: This is a magnificent, hand-built series is built around a similar carbon-fiber tub that the first MP4 12C was based upon. With twice as strong aluminum and half the weight, the monocell allows for unprecedented power to weight ratio and handling precision. This 562 hp car is as comfortable on the road as it is on the track. The 570s spider goes from 0-60 in a staggering 3.1 seconds and is now firmly placed in the supercar category with pricing starts at $208,800.
  • Newly Redesigned 2018 Maserati Gran Turismo: Equipped with a new interior infotainment center and a refreshed front end, the Gran Turismo remains as timeless as ever before.
  • Maserati Ghibli: The Ghibli represents a full, assertive, elegant alternative in an ocean of cars that look, feel, and sound the same. With starting price of $73,050, it is unquestionable the value that the Ghibli represents. It is a personification of the inspiration for the brand, old-world Italian style and sculpture interpreted through the modern eyes of Maserati.

The pièces de résistance of the display is the $3.2 million Bugatti Chiron which is powered by an 8-cylinder, 16 liter, quad-turbocharged, and an almost unfathomable 1,479 horsepower motor. This certainly should be at the top of your Autoshow “To-Do” list. Porsche, Lexus, Mercedes, Jaguar and Landrover all have equally as impressive brand displays with experts ready to answer all your questions and help you explore the world of modern luxury at the DFW Autoshow. We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Be sure to check out the Park Place Dealerships booth and visit with one of our Experts to find how you can win an exceptional prize package including:

2 V.I.P Tickets to the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase

A weekend use of a Maserati

One a night stay at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas in Las Colinas

DFW Auto Show Information

Date: Feb 14-18, 2018

Times

Wednesday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ticket Prices

$14 for adults

$7 for senior citizens 65 and older

$7 for children 6 to 12 years old; children 5 and under admitted free

$10 for active and retired Military members (ID is required)

 

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Why Luxury Featuring the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

Did you know that Carl Benz (of Mercedes-Benz), was awarded a German patent for a three-wheeled, self-propelled  “Motorwagen” in 1886- making his innovative invention arguably the first true automobile in history?  That innovation still ignites the industry today, personified in the undeniably powerful and sleek designs that make up modern-day Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The CLA is no exception, providing prospective luxury car buyers, with a seductive and time-tested option at an accessible luxury price point.

Other brands have made leaps and bounds towards producing entry-level luxury, four-door sedans, and coupes, contributing to the ultra-competitive market.  The Acura ILX has positive attributes-mainly reliability, safety, and resale value. But, when put side-by-side to a luxury manufacturer, such as Mercedes-Benz and the CLA, the differences are distinct and for an allegedly luxury vehicle, the ILX just does not measure up to its price point when compared to its luxury counterparts.

Today,  we compare the 2017 Acura ILX  and the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA  to identify what exactly sets the two apart and to further answer the question “why luxury” when entering the realm of a $30,000 plus MSRP investment.

First, the 2018 Acura ILX:

In 2016, the Acura ILX was reimagined to give the smallest sedan a much needed, but seemingly ineffective facelift in the grand scheme of things. The 2018 version remains relatively unchanged with only minor cosmetic additions. Offered at three tiers of various packages, the 2018 Acura ILX ranges from an MSRP of around $29,000-$36,000 according to Edmunds, successfully challenging many of its entry-level rivals.

For an investment of about $30,000 for the base model, you’ll receive a 2.4-liter engine, 201 horsepower, front wheel drive, and a solid 25 MPG (City), 35 (Highway), and 29 MPG combined.  This combo offers more power than some of its more turbocharged counterparts, while still scoring well in safety.

Some additional features that come standard in this base ILX include:

  • Side mounted airbags
  • Upgrade headlights
  • Bluetooth capabilities
  • USB Ports
  • Heated seats and climate control
  • Backup camera
  • Sunroof

These are all features expected of a luxury vehicle, but once the vehicle hits the road, its “luxury” identifier starts to wain in performance- especially when its nested in a similar class to BMW, Audi, and of course, Mercedes-Benz.

Some common concerns include stiff ridge quality, near luxury interior, and a dual screen “infotainment” system which lacks convenience for the driver.  For amenities like navigation, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance, you will have to upgrade your vehicle to a more premium package instead of being simply “optional” on the base models. The ILX’s design elements are quality enough with three interior and six exterior colors available.

Next, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250:

Another formidable competitor in the entry-luxury segment is the CLA 250 that clocks in with an MSRP range of about $32,700- $51,400, a price tag that is not all surprising for a luxury class coupe from one of the most recognizable auto families.

At its core, you’ll receive a 2.0 liter inline-4 turbo engine, 7-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an ECO start/stop system.  The standard CLA 250 is front wheel drive, but a client can have the option to opt for Mercedes’ 4Matic transmission. When one upgrades the AMG series CLA, that model comes standard with all-wheel drive. A Mercedes-Benz CLA also comes with a plethora of “optional” packages or add-ons to amp-up and customize any base model CLA, if desired.

The list of add-ons, options, and standard equipment is lengthy, but the more judicious buyer guided by our Park Place experts who assist our clients in finding their version of a perfect vehicle can still successfully build a Mercedes-Benz CLA for under $40,000.

This entry-level model receives fairly favorable fuel economy similar to that of its Acura competitor (24 City/ 37 Hwy/ 29 Combined), seating five. Where the CLA really distinguishes itself is in the realm of design.  The coupe has sleek, sharp contours that are further accentuated in its AMG trim, which is available in nine exterior and seven interior colors.  Inside, you will find a singular screen adjacent to a comfortable-to-grip steering wheel, and options of quality materials to provide front row passengers with a more affordable introduction to the luxurious feel that comes standard with the Mercedes badge.

A Park Place Experience:

At each of our four Park Place Mercedes-Benz locations, you will be provided with an exceptional client experience from the moment you send the first inquiry, purchase, routine oil changes, and your complimentary car wash and luxurious loaner vehicles. 

We strive to put our clients first, and that starts with a simple, One-Touch purchasing process to make your purchase as personalized as possible.  Each Sales Manager is equipped to guide you through the process to ensure we are considerate of your time, budget, and checklist of wants, needs, and wishes. 

For our advanced service bays, we employ certified technicians who use state of the art equipment to expertly diagnose and repair your vehicle, ensuring your investment is kept at peak performance- a truly priceless asset when making an investment in a luxury automotive experience. 

The Verdict:

A Mercedes-Benz CLA provides the rider with a bounty of options to enhance and upgrade the base CLA model to reflect the client’s luxury wants. When entering the luxury auto segment, there are many options, but it’s pivotal to remember that brand prestige, along with power, design, and safety specs, is included in the price.  At an MSRP of close to $30,000, an Acura ILX is a weak competitor in a saturated luxury sedan/coupe market, and a Mercedes-Benz CLA will deliver a better quality performance with more features and options for your money.

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3 Things To Know Before Your Next Park Place Oil Change

Receiving an oil change at a manufacturer certified service center has key advantages to maintaining your high-performance vehicle. While cost and service time are increased, we provide first-class quality, expertise, and additional services that clearly distinguish our premier level service experiences from a typical “oil change” job at a quick lube establishment.

At our Park Place Dealerships locations, we employ certified technicians who perform the routine services, such as your oil change, to ensure the entire process is completed to meet both manufacturer and Park Place standards of quality.

Here are three things our highly trained team of service experts want you to know before booking your next oil change:

1.An “Oil Change” service can take about 30-60 minutes depending on the manufacturer before any additional services or a courtesy car wash or additional services.

Park Place Motorcars Service Directors estimate that an oil change service that includes our complimentary services, including car washes and multi-point inspections, for our clients, can take 60-90  minutes to complete. 

At Park Place Porsche, the service can take up to 90 minutes pre-car wash. Porsche’s have a large oil capacity- up to 10 quarts on some engines. The old oil must be completely drained from the vehicle. To do this, our technicians must heat the engine up to operating temperature to thin out the oil and allow it to then drain for a minimum of 20 minutes. The next 20 minutes are spent filling the engine with oil to capacity. To do this the engine is brought up to operating temperature and filled with new room temperature oil.  Our technicians check the oil levels with a computer- a process that takes three minutes and is repeated until the engine registers full.

2. You receive more than an “oil change” when choosing to service with the manufacturer certified dealership. 

The term oil change has been used frequently in conjunction with quick lube establishments promising quick service and low cost. The dealership provides more value to the client’s experience by including car washes, loan cars, resetting computers, multi-point inspections, trained technicians, warranty repairs, a beautiful facility, and a client lounge for those who wish to wait for their service to be completed. Therefore, a Park Place dealership experience cannot be compared with a quick service only facility with the factors of time or money.

Example of Mercedes_Benz Visual Multi-Point Inspection Check List

 

3. An Oil Change is the easiest way to maintain (and save) your luxury vehicle’s high-performance capabilities.

Skimping out on routine oil changes (either by delaying your appointment or using components not recommended by your manufacturer) can be detrimental to the life of your vehicle. If you want to increase the longevity of your luxury auto, then making sure you’re on top of your oil changes should be priority number one. The oil is the life-blood and key ingredient in the engine which provides lubrication, cooling, and removal of particles and sludge.  With a squeaky clean and lubricated engine, you will also benefit from improved gas mileage. Park Place’s client lounges, loan cars, and Pick Up & Delivery programs help ease the hassle that can be associated with necessary maintenance. If you have questions regarding these offerings, contact your service advisor or coordinator and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have so that we can ensure your Park Place oil change experience is first class. 

For a once a year service, the cost and time related to an “oil change” experience at Park Place is more than worth it.   If it’s your dream to own a luxury vehicle, then protecting your investment is too important to our team to simply offer quick drain and fill service.

Have any questions or would like to start your next service booking? Click here.

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Mercedes-Benz Cast as High Performance Side-kick for “Justice League”

Mercedes-Benz will officially join alongside the league of the high-performance superheroes as their super-car of choice. Set to hit theaters globally on November 17, 2017, Cyborg, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Batman race to save the planet form a possible catastrophic alien assault, and the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo and its trusty side-kick Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet play an epic role in the newest superhero feature flick of the fall.

The AMG Vision Gran Turismo’s extreme proportions, sensual contours, and impressive technology first premiered in 2013 at the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in Sunnyvale, California in November 2013. The car is highlighted with gullwing doors is the first of the “Vision Gran Turismo” series of vehicles and is the concept car that completely embodies the design philosophy of “sensual purity.”  While it has yet to be committed to production,  the unique design provides a sneak peek into the future of Mercedes-Benz.

A completely redesigned interior and precisely engineered technical specifications seamlessly compliment the unmistakable exterior, making this concept car (and its E Class sidekick) perfectly cast to help save the world. Does Wonder Woman, or any other members of the Justice League need a new vehicle to get around? Not necessarily, but the Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet and the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo are just too tempting to turn down.

 

https://youtu.be/9qF4pcq7RCU