Lexus Chief Engineer Katsuda-san talks about the latest Lexus RX 450h at 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Hear him talk about the new styling and increased performance of the new RX.
McLaren MP4-12C Closes in On Super Car Perfection
Carlos Lago, test driver and automotive expert for Motor Trend, explores the art and science of supercars with the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C. Find out what happens when you give a team of dedicated engineers the time and resources to dream big.
Read more on MotorTrend.com
Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Hybrid Super Car Hits Track
Porsche has really hit the mark with it’s 918 Spyder Hybrid Super Car – with a monster that surpasses all standards for efficiency, performance and design – all at the same time. In the beginning, the 918 Spyder was only a concept, but Porsche has confirmed recently, that it will go to production.
With an expected price tag just under $900,000, the Porsche 918 Spyder will be able to go from 0-60 in less than a whopping THREE seconds – while hitting 124MPH in less than 9 seconds. To make it even more amazing, Porsche projects that the fuel efficiency will be no-less spectacular – averaging over 70 miles per gallon.
For design, it looks a bit like a mix between the iconic Porsche 911 and the prior super car, the Porsche Carerra GT.
Porsche recently invited members of the press to the test track, in Nardo, Italy.
Lexus Unveils Crossover RX New Look For 2013
Lexus has released the first pics of it’s updated look for the best-selling crossover SUV, the RX (RX 350 and RX 450h). It’s new aggressive look is in part due to the ‘spindle grille’ – or ‘new face’ of the RX that mimics the super-sporty 2013 Lexus GS which hit the showroom last month. It’s also sporting new headlights, as well as LED daytime running lights. Among other changes are new features, such as standard power liftgate, and new interior trim. The engines and powertrains remain the same, and will still deliver an impressive 32MPG in the city, and 28oMPG on the highway.
Park Place Motorcars Named Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best
All three DFW area Park Place Mercedes-Benz dealerships win prestigious award.
Park Place Motorcars dealerships in Dallas, Fort Worth and Grapevine each received the Best of the Best award from Mercedes-Benz USA. The Dallas store won the award for the sixth consecutive year. The award honors the top 20 percent of 345 dealers nationwide for outstanding sales, service and customer satisfaction.
“We are very proud to earn this award,” said Neil Grossman, president of Park Place Motorcars. “This is the first time all of our Dallas-Fort Worth Mercedez-Benz dealerships have won this prestigious award the same year. From new and certified pre-owned sales to parts and service, Mercedes-Benz’ strict requirements challenge our entire operation. While we strive for excellence in customer satisfaction in all areas, winning the Best of the Best award confirms that we are continuing to meet and exceed our industry’s toughest standards.”
The 2012 Dallas Auto Show Is Underway
The 2012 DFW Auto Show in Dallas is underway, and will run from March 21-25, 2012, at the Dallas Convention Center. Here is a quick preview of what you will find at one of the most anticipated annual events in the Dallas Fort Worth area. The DFW Auto Show in is the ideal opportunity for consumers to compare styling and pricing of most every major manufacturer new cars for sale under one roof, and in just a few hours.
Maserati and Fendi Team Up For Designer Travel Kit Capsule Collection
Maserati has turned once again to uber-luxury designer Fendi for it’s new luggage and accessories Travel Kit Capsule Collection. What do you get with the kit? You’ll receive a compact trolley case, a boston bag, two vanity cases, a document folder, two bomber jackets, a Fendi cashmere scarf and a baseball cap with the signature FF jacquard material, aviator sunglasses in gray & yellow leather and a key holder designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi.
The pieces are designed in black Cuoio Romano leather with Selleria stitching, sporting the exclusive Fendi Selleria plaque – that is also engraved with the Maserati Trident logo. Designed to go with the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi on the Whispered Grand Tour journey, the kit celebrates the two companies common vision of Italian tradition, quality, beauty and craftsmanship.
Last week, Fendi held a
private viewing of the upcoming collection at the Fendi Boutique in London, and there were some important attendees – Pink Floyd drummer and Maserati aficionado Nick Mason, Senior Vice-President of CNH Global NV Eduardo Teodorani Fabbri and socialite Annabelle Neilson.
Danny Balis of Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket’s Hardline Show Poses with New 2013 Lexus GS 350
Danny Balis, of Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket’s Hardline show, poses with the 2013 Lexus GS 350.
Danny, who started endorsing Park Place last year, has driven a number of Park Place vehicles. Danny recently visited Park Place Lexus to tour the dealership and test drive the new Lexus GS.
His quick take on the latest offering from Lexus – “This car is freakin’ awesome.” Well said Danny.
The New Porsche Boxster Shines At Geneva
Spirit. Declared. It’s the new Porsche Boxster. Shining brightly at Geneva auto show this year, and now available at Park Place Porsche. Contact us for availability and ordering.
Park Place Lexus Creates New Position – Vehicle Technology Specialist
Park Place Dealerships have now twice been named one of Dallas Top 100 places to work – and for good reason: we’ve got the most innovative jobs in the automotive industry. The automotive industry is constantly buzzing with new developments and fantastical technology, and at the forefront of these advancements, is Lexus. There’s no denying it – all one needs to do is take a look at the 2013 Lexus GS to see that our brands, and our vehicles are more advanced than ever. To support the rapidly changing technical options available to our clients on the vehicles – and also to help educate and assist the client in maximizing these new features Park Place Lexus has developed a new position called the Vehicle Technology Specialist (VTS).
The VTS will provide front-line support to clients with complex technology questions or concerns with their Lexus. In addition, the VTS would also be responsible for ongoing training and support for dealership members regarding current, new, and future Lexus products and technologies. The VTS is truly a unique position – and one that only an Expert in Excellence could occupy considering the additional requirements of the position:
- Maintains a high degree of product and technical knowledge, including information about all Lexus products, resources, features, benefits, applications and competitive vehicle technology and reviews.
- Maintains a collection of technology information and resources to assist in explanations
- Creates and maintains FAQ guide for clients
- Follows up with clients to ensure understanding and anticipate additional technology needs
- Maintains all certification requirements
- Assists with car displays and marketing events by greeting clients and sharing product information
Of course, the main goal of any position at Park Place is to support the team, and ensure an enjoyable purchase and ownership experience for the client. This new position will achieve both of these goals. It will also allow for fast, efficient resolution of client inquiries regarding vehicle technology or concerns. It’ll also allow the member to spend enough time with the client to properly troubleshoot any vehicle technology and vehicle system features.
Most of the time, when a client schedules a service appointment because of a technology related issue, it’s because the client doesn’t have a clear understanding of all the functionality or the feature of product. When this happens, it not only becomes an inconvenience for the client (because they have to bring their vehicle in for service and even possibly leave it overnight, which can be a hassle). Most of the technology issues so far have been Bluetooth phone or Navigation system related, and can often be fixed or set up within a few minutes.
With this new position, the client can schedule directly with the VTS, who will work directly with the client. If it’s not broken, and in most cases, the VTS can show the client what is causing the concern and how to prevent it from happening in the future. It is Park Place Lexus’ “personal concierge” service for each client.
Another nice perk, for our clients, is that if clients that are waiting in the client lounge would like a refresher course on how some of the features on their vehicle work, we have a technology center set up so we can provide tutorials via iPads and TV monitors. From the tech center we can also keep clients up to date on the status of their vehicle while it’s in service.
So far, only Park Place Lexus Grapevine has had the opportunity to find the perfect VTS, and that candidate was Greg Milner, who is a five-year sales veteran with Park Place Lexus. Greg has been married to his wife, Karin for 21 years and they have one son, Curtis. Greg is retired from the U.S. Army, and resided in Germany for seven years, where he met his wife, and also where his son was born. Greg holds a Technology Degree from Pierce College in Washington. Greg likes working on his 1960 Austin Healey 3000 (no Bluetooth or GPS there!) and helping his son fix the cars he wrecks.