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A Short History of Mercedes-AMG Prestige and Performance

The Mercedes- AMG Series is highly sought after, providing another breed of Mercedes-Benz performance to the market. Across the globe in Burgstall, Germany, the AMG was born in the year 1967 thanks to Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. What began as a passion for motorsports and a mission to develop racing engines is now an exclusive offering for the iconic luxury manufacturer.

Park Place Motorcars is Certified AMG Elite Dealer. You can actually configure your AMG dream at Park Place Motorcars Dallas in our AMG Showroom.
 

A Short History of the AMG Series:

Upon first glance, you will most likely notice that the AMG series wears a different, sportier look, where it is clear that performance is the ultimate goal without even looking directly at its engine. In 1971, AMG first made headlines with the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, finishing first in class and 2nd overall in a 24-hour race and quickly outgrew their Burgstall mill with a stark increase in customer requests for ‘high individualized, high performance’ vehicles.  The mid-1980’s brought the Hammer, which is a Mercedes-Benz 300E that topped out at nearly 190 mph and 375 lb-ft of torque. For the time, it was a sleek and powerful machine, making its mark in the automotive performance sphere.

It wasn’t until 90s, 20 plus years after its inception, that Daimler Benz and AMG signed an official agreement of cooperation. Fast forward to 2005, and AMG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler. In that same decade, the C36 AMG became the first Mercedes-Benz AMG model marketed in the United States.

AMG and Mercedes-Benz made continuous improvements over the next decade, introducing an engine developed wholly by AMG, releasing the Black Series with SLK55 and CLK63, the groundbreaking and most powerful C-Class (the C63) in 2007, and in 2010 creating an AMG, super sports icon, the SLS AMG with gullwing doors. Fast forward to 2015, and Motor Trend selected the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S as the 2015 Best Driver’s Car saying:

“It put all 503 of its horsepower to the ground like an all-wheel0-drive supercar and gripped the road through high-speed corners like a winged racer.”

The Present of AMG: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Edition 1

Announced in May 2018, Mercedes-AMG will offer a distinctive Edition 1 with an exclusive interior and exterior appointments for the 2019 model year.  The AMG Aerodynamics package for this exclusive Edition 1 includes a larger front splitter and integrated flics in the front bumper, and optimized diffuser and a fixed rear spoiler, which can be mechanically adjusted so the driver can adjust the driver characteristics to suit their individual preferences or specific circumstances.  

The Edition 1 is only available for the top-of-the-range AMG GT 63 S model, which sports the most powerful AMG engine to date, the AMG 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine. The Edition 1 can reach a top speed of 195 mph and propel a vehicle from standing start to 60 mph in an estimated 3.1 seconds.

Other recent releases of AMG models include the new Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster, an extension of the Mercedes-AMG sports car portfolio. For a full history of Mercedes-AMG, click here.

 Park Place Motorcars, an AMG Certified Elite Performance Center

AMG Certified Elite Performance Centers allow clients to experience the thrill of the brand and we assure you the AMG Showroom isn’t your typical dealership experience. Park Place Motorcars is a certified AMG Elite Performance Center, where we can provide clients with a high-performance AMG experience.  Check out the video below and view our recent delivery of twin AMG GT Rs. Powered by a twin-turbo 4-liter V-8 that produces 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, the rear-wheel-drive sports car accelerates from 0 – 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph. And it’s a real head turner.

 

Configure your AMG dream at Park Place Motorcars Dallas in our AMG Showroom.
 

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PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS TO BUILD ITS FIRST AUSTIN DEALERSHIP

 JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AUSTIN TO OPEN IN 2020

Park Place Dealerships will open its first dealership in the Austin area on State Highway 45 and Parmer in the first quarter of 2020. The dealership will sit on eight acres, and will house the Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

“While we have currently 16 dealerships spread across Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston, this will be the first opportunity to introduce the Park Place brand into the Austin market,” said Ken Schnitzer, CEO of Park Place Dealerships. “As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Austin is an ideal fit for Jaguar and Land Rover because of its rich culture and diverse charm.”

Located at 13910 FM 620 North, Park Place Jaguar Land Rover North Austin will feature a large, glass enclosed showroom that will accommodate up to 12 new Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. The 70,000-square-foot facility will include a five-story garage, a shop with 42 service bays, a nine-car service drive and a 2000-square-foot carwash.

Amenities Included

Park Place invests in facilities that are client friendly, energy efficient, and designed with both its clients and employees in mind. Amenities include spacious Wi-Fi enabled work stations, a children’s play area, a beverage and snack station, as well as several client waiting areas arranged with contemporary furnishings and flat-screen televisions.

Texas-based Good, Fulton & Farrell is the architectural firm for the project.  Hill & Wilkinson has been selected as the general contractor.

World-Class Vehicles on Show

For the past 32 years, Park Place Dealerships has been guided by its core values to provide an unparalleled automotive ownership experience. As one of the largest luxury dealership groups in the country, Park Place builds trust with clients through passionate service, personal commitment to excellence, honesty and integrity. Park Place also invests significantly in training and career development to insure the team of bright, talented and passionate members (Park Place employees) are the best at what they do.

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover North Austin will showcase Jaguar’s world-class lineup of cars comprised of the award-winning XE, XF and XJ saloons, the dramatic F-TYPE sports car, the F-PACE performance crossover – the fastest-selling Jaguar ever, the new E-PACE compact performance SUV and I-PACE, an all-electric performance SUV.

Electrification in 2020

Beginning in 2020 all new Jaguar Land Rover vehicles will offer the option of electrification, giving customers even more choice.  The company will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across the model range, embracing fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles as well as continuing to offer the latest diesel and petrol engines.

Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true ‘breadth of capability’ across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque each define the world’s SUV sectors, with 80 percent of this model range exported to over 100 countries.

 

About Jaguar Land Rover

After Tata Motors, India’s largest automobile manufacturer, acquired Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008, it merged the two marques into a single company.

Land Rover is the world’s leading manufacturer of premium all-wheel-drive vehicles and Jaguar is one of the world’s premier luxury sports saloon and sports car marques.  In 2018, Jaguar Land Rover sold 592,708 vehicles in 128 countries.

 

 

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2019 Allen Eagle Run Attracts 3,600 Participants

The 11th annual Park Place Lexus Allen ISD Eagle Run took place on March 2nd at Eagle Stadium in Allen and attracted more than 3,600 participants. The event included a family fun walk/run and 5K with participants and spectators enjoying a festival-like atmosphere including a mascot run, giveaways, musical entertainment and photo opportunities.

Park Place Lexus Plano was the title sponsor for the event and is a champion of the Foundation for Allen Schools which supports educational grants, scholarships, and a reimbursement program for educators. The Foundation has invested more than $1 million in Allen ISD teachers and students.

“Supporting educators and students in our community today has a long-term benefit for the business community,” said Chris Brunner, General Manager at Park Place Lexus Plano. “When we have strong, education programs, we are graduating students with bright futures that will make their way to the work force. We hope to hire some of these students to be a part of the Park Place team in the future.”

While the weather was chilly on March 2, the enthusiasm of participants heated up the event. The winner of the 5k was 28-year old Aaron Pearson with a time of 17:26.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 with one dealership in Dallas and today employs more than 2,000 people operating 16 full-service dealerships in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. Park Place Lexus Plano is located on the Dallas North Tollway at Spring Creek Parkway. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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2020 Land Rover Evoque: Learn and Reserve with Park Place

The Range Rover Evoque is priced from $42,650, and is available in five trim levels: S, SE, R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE and R-Dynamic HSE, with an additional First Edition model available for the first year only.

The 2020 Range Rover Evoque compact luxury SUV made its global debut in London in November 2018, and features an all new design language, advanced driver assistance technologies, a new hybrid-electric powertrain option and groundbreaking off-road technologies. Building on the original model’s instantly-recognizable design, the New Range Rover Evoque is a sophisticated evolution of the original’s distinctive coupe-like silhouette.

The New Range Rover Evoque will be available from launch with a 48-volt MHEV powertrain that harvests energy normally lost during deceleration and stores it in the underfloor battery. The New Range Rover Evoque is also the first vehicle to feature ‘ClearSight Ground View’ technology, which is designed to allow the driver to virtually see through the hood and under the front end of the vehicle by projecting a 180-degree view of the ground onto the vehicle’s upper touchscreen.

The  Evoque’s Optional ClearSight Rear View Mirror uses a roof mounted camera to provide an obstructed view of what’s behind the vehicle at all times. While it’s not intended to replace the rear view camera showing images of cars in close proximity,  it does display a long distance view of what’s behind your vehicle.

Learn more by contacting Park Place Land Rover Dallas today.

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Volvo Cars Adds Additional Achievements to An Already Exceptional Resume

Following an all-time sales year plus worldwide honors in 2018, Volvo drives its momentum into 2019 with a strong sales start and continued recognition across media outlets.

Volvo’s all-new S60 luxury sedan and V60 luxury wagon as well as the XC40 luxury SUV have been named finalist for the esteemed, 2019 World Car Awards. The S60/V60 is a finalist in the World Car of the Year category. A 2019 victory would earn back-to-back titles for Volvo as the XC60 luxury SUV was crowned the 2018 World Car of the Year.

The XC40 is also in the running for World Car Design of the Year honors. Volvo’s XC40 continues its worldwide accolade tour as the small luxury SUV earned European Car of the Year in 2018.

Car and Driver also acknowledged the XC40 and four other models as Editor’s Choice award vehicles in 2019. After testing 500 cars from an assortment of makes and models, the XC90, XC60, XC40 SUVs, and V90 and V90 Cross Country wagons were recommended by Car and Driver editors.

Volvo’s XC90 was praised for its satisfying drive and proficient safety tech options. The XC60 was lauded for its fuel efficiency, the smooth Swedish design, trailblazing driver assistance. Interior design qualities of the XC40 were brought to the forefront as well as the SUVs ample cargo space and abundant tech features. The V90 wagon received kudos for the impressive interior, massive cargo space, and exquisite exterior styling. Finally, the cross country version of the V90 was admired for its luxurious design and enhanced practicality.

The Editor’s Choice awards honor vehicles that Car and Driver leaders would recommend to their family and friends based on inherent value, how well it fulfills its intended mission relative to its segment competitors, and how engaging it is from behind the wheel.

“For the experts at a place as trusted as Car and Driver to give five Volvo cars their Editor’s Choice award is a very big deal,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President Americas and President and CEO Volvo Car USA. “Now anyone considering a new luxury car should absolutely look at a Volvo.”

Further praise came from AutoTrader who named the XC90 as a Must-Have Certified Pre-Owned Car. 2016 to 2018 model years qualified for the “Good as New: 10 Best Luxury CPO Cars for 2019” list. Each Certified Volvo must pass over 170 points during the certification process, have less than 80,000 miles, and feature a detailed CARFAX history report.

“When consumers choose a Certified by Volvo certified preowned vehicle, they can be confident they’re fully protected,” said Rick Bryant, vice president Sales Operations, Volvo Car USA. “It’s great that Autotrader has recognized the XC90 as a must-have car.”

Volvo has experienced an 11.3% growth in global sales during the first two months of the year, as the early increase Y-O-Y was led by the performance of the XC60, XC40, and the XC90. In addition to the SUV lineup’s output, the S60 became the first American built Volvo, which is manufactured in South Carolina.

Do you have interest in purchasing an award winning Volvo model? You can search parkplace.com to inquire about New or Certified Pre-Owned Volvo Cars. 

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Mercedes-Benz Campaign Empowers Amazing Women Contributors

Mercedes-Benz joins the automotive world in making room for women with the She’s Mercedes campaign, beginning with the story of Bertha Benz.

As the automotive world continues to shift its efforts to make room for women, Mercedes-Benz has made an effort to highlight the amazing professionals who strive to be difference makers within their communities.

Flashback to the very first long distance car ride in 1886, as Bertha Benz – wife of Karl Benz – ensured that the automobile concept that her husband had would carry out the best or nothing principle Mercedes owners enjoy today. There are so many women that strive for excellence with their tenacious grit. Unfortunately, many of these women also go unnoticed.

 

Mercedes-Benz has other ideas. The brand has inspired an initiative to empower women all over the world who aim to achieve personal and professional success. She’s Mercedes is a hub where women can connect and exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another. The networking circle aims to create conversation, develop new ideas, and drive determination. Women from several backgrounds and industries are encouraged to attend events where they engage in dialogue about their career achievements, mistakes, and goals.

On March 11, 2019, Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow was a VIP guest at the “She’s Mercedes Dinner” during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. During an interview session, Paltrow discussed with many professionals in industries ranging from business and fashion to creative and tech. The Goop founder also acknowledged the issues of balancing health, work and family life.

“It’s fantastic that we are able to welcome Gwyneth Paltrow as our guest at our ‘She’s Mercedes Dinner’ at SXSW,” said Kerstin Heiligenstetter, Head of She’s Mercedes. “As a successful actress, entrepreneur and mother she has been a role model for the power and skills of women for many years, so she embodies the objectives which we want to intensify and promote with She’s Mercedes.”

The platform has been a pillar of Mercedes’ “Best Customer Experience” strategy since 2015. The brand’s goal is to dive deeper into dialogue with women and increase the significance of the brand for the group. For more information on the initiative follow Mercedes.me/she and its social media channels on LinkedIn and Instagram. She’s Mercedes continues to grow and encourages women to join the She’s Mercedes Lounge and connect with fellow successful counterparts.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8th) during March, we must remember to appreciate the unwavering integrity our women achieve every day. Whether you’re a Golden Globe and Oscars award winning actress like Paltrow or new to the automotive industry, there are many opportunities for women to own during their careers.

If you have interest showcasing your people passion at Park Place, please visit www.parkplace.com/careers to begin or continue a career in automotive.  If you’re interested in learning more about Women in Automotive Council from a few council members, stay tuned as Park Place shares more about this dynamic initiative.  

For the Latest She’s Mercedes Campaign Visit:  Alondra De la Parra 

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Lexus Earns High Praise from Kelley Blue Book Awards

For many, Lexus retains a strong place in driver’s hearts due to the brand’s 30 year history of ownership experience. If you drive a Lexus, there’s a good possibility it’s not your first, and if it is, it’s a  good chance it won’t be your last. 

In addition to celebrating its 10 millionth vehicle sold globally, Lexus recently earned the title of ‘Best Luxury Brand’ according to Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. KBB’s 2019 5-Year Cost to Own Awards are based on several factors outside a brand’s total cost of vehicle ownership well beyond the monthly payment. These vital values included insurance costs, fuel costs, fees, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation.

Four Lexus models were KBB 5-Year Cost to Own category winners. The 2019 Lexus UX won the ‘Best Luxury Subcompact SUV/Crossover Award.’ The Lexus UX made its debut in December 2018 as a luxury subcompact SUV with intentions of being an urban explorer on wheels. A signature design, sedan-esque luxuries with SUV seat positioning, and intuitive technology have established a new niche segment for SUV enthusiasts.

The Lexus NX won the award for ‘Best Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover’. The NX driving experience is fashioned for owners who have a busy lifestyle and enjoy the sporty feel of the road. The NX300’s 2.0L engine outputs 235 horsepower (HP) with 258 lb.-ft. of torque, which produces enough power for one’s daily commute. Additional design and safety elements are available to enhance the athletic abilities of the compact model.

Earning ‘Best Luxury Mid-Size SUV/Crossover (2-row)’ is the 2019 Lexus RX. Lexus ignited the luxury crossover category with the RX model in 1998, and the RX hasn’t looked back since, as 2018 marked an all-time year for RX sales. The effective Electric Power Steering (EPS) provides exceptional driving feedback for all drivers. RX also empowers all vehicle occupants with cutting edge multimedia options including an eight-inch multimedia screen, Scout GPS Link navigation, and nine audio speakers.

The winner of KBB’s ‘Best Luxury Car’ went to the gifted and talented, 2019 Lexus GS. The midsize sport sedan offers a stout appearance and luxury appeal within the industry. A comprehensive standard safety system is designed to protect all occupants and drivers on the road as the Lexus Safety system+ offers a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Intelligent High Beam (IHB), and more. GS drivers will appreciate the subtle Lexus interior styling plus modern touches of exterior character.

Enjoy all new or pre-owned Lexus models today from our Park Place locations in Plano and Grapevine. For more details on inventory options, visit www.parkplace.com.

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Porsche Takes Pole Position in Customer Service Index Study

Porsche has made its mark in the luxury automotive space for decades with thrilling motorsports offerings. As the German automotive brand builds towards the future, their client focus has been recognized by a leader in customer satisfaction behavior.

The J.D. Power 2019 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study ranked Porsche in the top spot among American luxury brands. This is the first time Porsche has been finished number 1 in these rankings following their second place finish just a year ago. Porsche also finished first place among luxury brands in the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI).

“This great result is yet another well-deserved recognition of our 191 U.S. dealer partners, who continue to raise the bar for Porsche customer experience,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA). “We are committed to making the ownership experience as exciting and enjoyable as the driving experience. Together with our dealers, we are working hand in hand to accomplish that every day.”

J.D. Power’s CSI Study measures customer satisfaction for vehicles 1-to 3-year-old vehicles. The satisfaction metrics are based upon service for maintenance or repair work among owners and lessees from September to December 2018. In all, 57,000 respondents provided feedback throughout the industry.

Porsche saw an increase in all areas in comparison to 2018: Service Facility, Service Advisor, Service Initiation, Service Quality, and Vehicle Pick-Up. The increase in these six areas added a 19 point improvement for a grand total of 893 out of a possible 1000 points.

If you would like to enjoy a great Porsche service experience, visit Park Place Porsche and Porsche Grapevine, or contact 855-371-6345 to schedule an appointment.

 

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Inspiring Bespoke: Bentley Debuts Continental GT Number 9 Edition

Bentley Debuts Racing Model to Inspire Bespoke Creations. Book your bespoke experience at Bentley Dallas.

As Bentley produces their illustrious 2019 models to honor its 100th anniversary, the British automaker debuted a rare Continental GT to celebrate the milestone.

A jaw-dropping Bentley Continental GT Number 9 Edition appeared at the Geneva Motor Show early March. The Number 9 Edition pays homage to Sir Henry Ralph Stanley ‘Tim’ Birkin – one of the original ‘Bentley Boys’ of the 1920s and 1930s. Mulliner – Bentley’s in-house commissioning facility – manufactured the Continental GT that takes inspiration from the historic motorsport legacy. Only 100 Number 9 Edition models will be available this year following its hand built production in Crewe, England.

The Original No.9

The original No.9 was commissioned by Birkin, who was also a Bentley customer, investor, and racing driver. Following their use during World War I in aero engines, superchargers became more commonly tested on cars. A British designer and engineer, Amehurst Villiers, teamed up with Birkin to develop a supercharger that would increase performance. The supercharger would increase power and speed due to its positioning in front of the engine.

Nicknamed the ‘Blower,’ the 4.5L machine was raced at the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hours event by Birkin, who set a lap record at the track. The first No.9, which was also driven by D.J. Benefield and Eddie Hall, finished 2nd at the BRDC 500 mile event in 1930. Amazingly, each model produced today will include a wood insert from the seat of the original 1930 No.9 race car. The centenary vehicle was an imposing green car that eventually became regarded as the legendary racing Bentley of the pre-war period.

Each Number 9 Edition will have exterior components that feature an eye-popping ‘9’ graphic in the grille as well as special badge work, paint, and wheels. Interior stylings are highlighted by an exclusively crafted dashboard and special ‘Blower’ subtleties for the door panels and seating. All 100 models will also include 18K gold plated organ stops inspired by the original No.9 ‘Blower,’ and ‘1 of 100’ treadplates.

Today’s Bentley Continental models continue to deliver a stunning appearance with every glance and turn. Park Place clients are encouraged to bespoke their own Bentley models or view inventory to find special commissioned models available for sale. Visit parkplace.com or contact a Bentley Sales Experience Manager for more details.

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UNT Kuehne Speaker Series Welcomes Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones

Left to right: Park Place Dealerships president Jordan Case; Morgan-Stanley financial advisor Drew Case; and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, keynote speaker at the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series.

During the Spring 2019 UNT Kuehne Speaker Series event, Jerry Jones shared his innovative business strategy for the Dallas Cowboys, and discussed his key to success: his willingness to take risks and challenge the status quo. He spoke about the vibrant partnership between UNT and the Dallas Cowboys, and inspired attendees with his bold goals for the future of the North Texas region.

The UNT Kuehne Speaker Series, sponsored by Park Place Lexus, was established in 2013 to provide a forum to engage conversation about topics of national and global relevance.

Jordan Case, president of Park Place Dealerships, is a 1980 UNT graduate and former quarterback (1978 – 1979). He established himself as one of the most accurate passers in school history with a 61.6 completion percentage and a 111.6 passing efficiency mark. He finished his North Texas career with 2,608 passing yards, and was inducted into the UNT Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001.

“We’re incredibly grateful to have a five-year Kuehne Speaker Series sponsorship pledge from Park Place Lexus, which helps ensure the sustainability and success of this cornerstone event,” said Dr. David Wolf, vice president of university advancement. “Jordan Case was a star quarterback during his time at UNT, and now he’s a star alumnus!”