Mercedes-Benz Birthday Surprise

Walking into Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, Mrs. Brown had no idea she was in store for the ultimate surprise.

Earlier in the week, her husband stopped by the dealership to shop for the perfect birthday gift for his wife. “When I arrived, Darrin Cline approached me in a pleasant manner,” says Mr. Brown. “We discussed my vehicle wants, needs and desires. Darrin listened to me carefully. Price point and condition of the vehicle were important, so was customer service. I explained to Darrin this was to be a special gift for my wife. He promised to make the delivery a memorable one- he delivered.”

It took some convincing from Mr. Brown, but his wife agreed to stop by Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth to ‘look around’. “She was not suspicious at all,” said Mr. Brown.

When they arrived, Darrin greeted them and played along with the surprise. He suggested taking a look at a vehicle that was parked just outside. “When we turned the corner of the building, and a perfectly detailed white Mercedes-Benz SLK sat there with a huge ribbon on the hood, a flower and a card on the seat- she began to suspect something,” said Mr. Brown.

Darrin knew the car was a special present for a special lady. “Mr. Brown had mentioned it was for his wife’s birthday so I thought it would be a nice surprise to have a big red bow and some flowers.”

Darrin handed Mrs. Brown the keys and wished her a very Happy Birthday! The tears were next.

“Unfortunately I have no photos of the surprise,” says Darrin, “but it was very emotional for the both of them so I gave them space. Mr. Brown was very grateful and texted me later that day, it was a big success! It feels really great every time I deliver a car and I see the joy and happiness that takes place.”

Brown PPMBFW B-day surpriseEDIT

Scenic Stroll Through Dallas Blooms

It’s our favorite time of the year! Dallas Blooms is in full swing once again at the Dallas Arboretum. From great scenery and statues of great contributors to great luxury SUVs, there’s plenty to see and do. Park Place Dealerships is the exclusive automotive sponsor of the annual event and we added some of our favorite models from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volvo to the Dallas Blooms mix.

Warm welcome! Visitors are greeted by this gorgeous grey Mercedes-Benz GLC300, which also provides for a fun photo-op.

MB GLC Arboretum

Perched among the fragrant flowers, not far from the entrance, is a picture-perfect white Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid-Arboretum

A Swedish model is making Cool Thursday Concerts a lot cooler. Be sure to check out the 2016 Volvo XC60 greeting visitors on the lawn.

Volvo Arboretum

This year’s theme, “The Artistry in Nature” includes life-size sculptures of great contributors such as Benjamin Franklin, and William Shakespeare relaxing on benches or in garden-setting throughout the Dallas Arboretum. Whether to take a selfie, or take in the views, guests are invited to have a seat on the bench along with the great contributors. The bronze sculptures are works of renowned sculptor Gary Lee Price.

Dallas Blooms runs through Sunday, April 10th.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas Wins North American Dealer of the Year

We are honored, proud, and overjoyed for the team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas, recognized as 2015 North American Dealer of the Year by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

It’s an incredible honor to win this prestigious award for the 2nd time in 3 years. What an achievement! Thank you to all who made this happen!

The specially commissioned award was presented at the Annual World Dealer Conference in Berlin. The award, featuring a contemporary take on the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy, was conceived by the Rolls‑Royce Bespoke Design Team at the Home of Rolls‑Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex.

Images from the awards presentations at the 2016 Rolls Royce World Dealer Conference in Berlin, Germany February 23, 2016.image1

Park Place Motorcars Wins Mercedes-Benz’ Best of the Best Award

Park Place Motorcars Dallas  and Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth have been awarded the coveted Best of the Best award by Mercedes-Benz. 
The “Best of the Best” Program recognizes top performing Mercedes Benz dealers for their exemplary performance in sales, service and parts, as well as excellence in operations & customer experience. The award supports the Mercedes-Benz brand and recognizes exceptional dealers that rise above all others through achievement and outstanding results.

This is the 10th Best of the Best Award for Park Place Motorcars Dallas, and 8th win in 10 years for Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth.

2015 MB Best of the Best

Fancy This Posh Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar is going back to its roots with the release of its British Design Edition Jaguar F-Type. Only 300 of the Limited Edition Jaguars will be available in the U.S, and several are coming to Jaguar Dallas and Jaguar Plano in May. (More info below.)

Based on the F-TYPE S Coupe and Convertible and featuring a range of visual enhancements and additional equipment, the British Design Edition is offered in a specially-selected color palette inspired by the Union Jack: Caldera Red, Glacier White and – new to the F-TYPE range – Ultra Blue. Ultimate Black is also available.

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Outside, the British Design Edition features discreet British Design Edition badges front and rear, as well as unique branding on the center console, headrests and the stainless steel tread plates.

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Complementing the range of exterior colors is a crafted premium Jet leather interior finished with contrast stitching in a choice of three colors: Red, Ivory and Reims Blue. The driver-focused theme of the ‘one-plus-one’ cabin is heightened by carbon fiber trim around the center console.

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Exterior enhancements include the addition of 20-inch Cyclone wheels with unique Satin Grey finish which surround the uprated Jaguar Super Performance Braking System featuring red calipers.

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The F-TYPE is a sports car that excites the senses, with a visual drama that is both individual and very British,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design. “Creating the British Design Edition gave us the opportunity to subtly enhance the way the F-TYPE looks – inside and out.”

The Jaguar F-TYPE British Design Edition will be available in Coupe and Convertible body styles.

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Power comes exclusively from the 380HP supercharged 3.0-litre V6 gas engine, matched to an eight-speed Quickshift transmission in rear- or all-wheel drive.

As the winner of more than 140 international awards since its launch in 2012, the all-aluminum Jaguar   F-TYPE is not only the embodiment of Jaguar DNA, it is the definitive British sports car. Completing the exterior enhancements are new badges for the front grille and the tailgate. In place of the red and green of the S roundel, the British Design Edition features Union Jack detailing in subtle monochrome.

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The interior of the F-TYPE has always been a special place to be. The British Design Edition offers premium Jet leather finished with contrast stitching in a choice of three distinctive colors – Red, Ivory and Reims Blue – the 14-way performance seats also feature headrests embossed with British Design Edition branding to further distinguish the British Design Edition F-TYPE from other S models.

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Replacing aluminum in the F-TYPE S, the British Design Edition features satin finish carbon fiber trim on the center console complete with British Design Edition branding; perfectly complementing the premium Jet leather interior.

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The InControlRemote App is also available for the Apple Watch®; allowing interaction with the vehicle from anywhere in the world. Functionality is similar to the current InControlRemote smartphone app, allowing drivers to use their Apple Watch to lock and unlock the vehicle, check how much fuel is in the tank and find their car on a map as well as set the climate control and start the engine to bring the cabin to the desired temperature before their journey begins.

The Jaguar F-TYPE British Design Edition will be available in Spring 2016. Production is limited to just 300 units in the United States.

For more information on the Jaguar F-TYPE British Edition or to reserve yours, please contact:
Steve Vankos at Jaguar Dallas, (214) 849-5358; svankos@10.2.54.33
Jason Feuerberg at Jaguar Plano, (214) 366-5819; JFeuerberg@10.2.54.33

Behind the Scenes of the New Park Place Motorcars Arlington

Ray Torres of Burleson knows Mercedes-Benz vehicles inside and out. He started in 1982 as a technician trainee for a dealership in Fort Worth. Over the years, the dealership changed hands several times, but Torres stayed on and worked his way up to shop foreman. In 1999, Park Place Dealerships purchased the Bedford dealership and Torres became shop foreman for Park Place, which later moved to Grapevine in 2012.   “Mercedes-Benz is continually evolving and bringing new models to market,” said Torres. “When I started with the company, we had a few models, now we have 30 Mercedes-Benz models.  The technology continues to advance and Mercedes-Benz leads the way in automotive technology. We are always looking to hire technicians at Park Place and the company invests in its team members.”
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Torres is now shop foreman at the new Arlington Mercedes-Benz dealership, which opened last November at 1-20 near Collins.   “There is always an opportunity for advancement within the company which is one of the reasons I have enjoyed working for Park Place,” continued Torres. “I had the opportunity to attend leadership training, which gave me a broader perspective of myself and how to be a better manager. I also attended a class at SMU. I am encouraged to learn more about the business side, as well as the management side of the business.”   Torres is expecting rapid growth at the new dealership. Mercedes-Benz is introducing 10 new vehicles in 2016: including a new 4-door mid-sized SUV, several new diesel models, a plug-in hybrid C-Class and a sleek new SLK roadster.

Mercedes-Benz GL meets S. The New 2017 GLS is First Class All The Way.

The new GLS is a completely modernized SUV family from Mercedes-Benz, reflecting harmony and modern luxury to impressive effect. Chrome details such as the roof rails, underguard, shoulderline trim strips, luggage compartment handle and side skirt trim create attractive highlights. The Sport exterior, available on the GLS550, provides a muscular appearance and consists of unique front and rear aprons, side running boards, side flaps painted in the vehicle color and 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Even more exclusivity is created with the Night package which is available in conjunction with this model’s equipment line.

GLS 500 4MATIC ( Studio ), Exterieur: Citrinbraun, AMG Line, exterior: citrine Brown, AMG line

A new, dynamic exterior and revised, luxurious interior clearly underscore the impressive character of the GLS. On the exterior, focus has been placed on a redesign of the front end, while the rear has been modernized around the bumper and with full LED tail lamps. Eye-catching highlights in the interior include a newly designed instrument panel with Media Display, new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, modified center console with touchpad and new trim options.

GLS 500 4MATIC ( Studio ), Exterieur: Citrinbraun, AMG Line, exterior: citrine Brown, AMG line

GLS 500 4MATIC ( Studio ), Interieur: Nappaleder Porzellan/schwarz, AMG Line, Zierteile: Holz Esche braun offenporig, interior: nappa leather porcelain/black, AMG line, trim parts: brown open-pore ash wood trim

The GLS is setting standards in the world of the SUV as it confirms its position as the “S-Class among SUVs.” The only full-fledged seven-seater in the European premium SUV segment boasts ample spaciousness and combines luxury with impressive levels of comfort, agile dynamics and best-in-class safety. Whether put to everyday use or venturing off the beaten track, the GLS meets all requirements effortlessly and comfortably.

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC, Exterieur: designo diamantweiß bright exterior: designo diamond white bright

The new generation features improved efficiency, additional DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, improved air suspension system (AIRMATIC) with enhanced damping system (ADS), nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, state-of-the-art assistance systems and the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz telematics which includes internet access and remote-start capability. More power, more dynamism and more equipment are also offered by the new Mercedes-AMG GLS63.

With a peak output of 577 hp, independent suspension and the revised AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, it represents the pinnacle of the GLS model line. Standard features on the GLS63 include AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes which provide optimum flexibility and a rear-biased AMG Performance all-wheel drive system. The GLS63 also shows strength of character with its updated AMG design elements and high quality interior.

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC, Interieur: Leder Nappa espressobraun, Zierteile: AMG Carbon  interior: leather nappa espresso brown, trim parts: AMG carbon

The equipment level of the new GLS in the area of active safety underscores Mercedes-Benz’s high standards when it comes to taking the strain off the driver. Standard driver assistance systems include COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST. Other systems available as standard on the GLS include: PRE-SAFE® system, Brake Assist BAS, electronic all wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP®, and cruise control.

Optimum protection potential is provided by passive occupant protection systems together with “electronic crumple zones” of the assistance systems and intelligent body design. Adaptive, two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, knee airbag for the driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvis airbags) and window airbags above all three seat rows are available. Night-time vision is improved by the optionally available LED Intelligent Light System, new to the GLS, while adverse weather conditions resulting in impaired visibility are defused by MAGIC VISION CONTROL, the heated adaptive windscreen wiper system which provides optimum water distribution.

The GLS is set to arrive late-March 2016.

For more information about the Mercedes-Benz GLS or to place and order, please contact:

Richard Wasson at Park Place Motorcars Arlington (817) 807-4811; RWasson@10.2.54.33

Zach Gilbert at Park Place Motorcars Dallas  (214) 443-8212; ZGgilbert@10.2.54.33

Walter Reed at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth (817) 263-3618; WReed@10.2.54.33

Matt McPherson at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine  (817) 310-7361: MMcPherson@10.2.54.33

Mercedes-Benz’ Latest Creation: 2017 C-Class Coupe

Athletic and sporty, the vivid, sensual design of the new C-Class Coupe cuts a fine figure on the road and embodies modern luxury. At the same time, its interior raises elegance and style to a sporty level. With its high-class appeal and generous interior, the new C- Class Coupe sets new standards in its segment. “Our new C-Class Coupe continues the philosophy of our exciting coupes. It combines thrilling design with agile sportiness and modern luxury. The C-Class Coupe therefore clearly pledges itself to stylish driving enjoyment,” states Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupé C 300, Selenit Grau, Leder Cranberry rot Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé C 300, selenit grey, leather cranberry red

As the sportiest variant of the C-Class, the Coupe displays its driving enjoyment-oriented character in an emotional and at the same time formally distinct design. A sportily striking front section featuring diamond radiator grille, long hood and frameless doors with free-standing exterior mirrors underscore the sporty character.

Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupé C 300, Selenit Grau, Leder Cranberry rot Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé C 300, selenit grey, leather cranberry red

Clean lines and sensually arranged surfaces structure the side sections into vivid light and shadow effects. One particular highlight is the long, drawn-out dropping line typical of a coupe. Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupé C 300, Selenit Grau, Leder Cranberry rot Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé C 300, selenit grey, leather cranberry red

The interior is likewise a statement of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy and combines emotion with intelligence. Although it exudes athletic and youthful charm, it has grown in maturity.

Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupé C 300, Selenit Grau, Leder Cranberry rot Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé C 300, selenit grey, leather cranberry red

Driver and passengers enjoy an ambience that leans toward the interior of the C-Class Sedan, yet raises it to a new, sporty level. Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupé C 300, Selenit Grau, Leder Cranberry rot Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé C 300, selenit grey, leather cranberry red

Flowing forms characterize the center console as well as the door and rear side paneling, which smoothly merge into one another to emphasize the coupe character. Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupé C 300, Selenit Grau, Leder Cranberry rot Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé C 300, selenit grey, leather cranberry red Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupé C 300, Selenit Grau, Leder Cranberry rot Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé C 300, selenit grey, leather cranberry red

The individually designed trim elements underscore the sporty character of the interior. A seating system including integral sports seats designed specifically for the Coupe offers sporty comfort, while the standard automatic belt feeder offers additional convenience. The choice of materials and the finish have a hand-crafted feel with high-class appeal and deliver a new take on modern luxury: sportiness without compromising on comfort and exquisite style.

Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupé C 300, Selenit Grau, Leder Cranberry rot Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé C 300, selenit grey, leather cranberry red

The C300 Coupe comes equipped with a powerful and efficient 2.0L, four-cylinder gas engine delivering 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, providing sporty performance and enhanced driving pleasure. The air conditioning system in the new C-Class Coupe operates efficiently and ensures high air quality. It uses satellite navigation to detect tunnels, and therefore closes the air recirculation flap automatically when entering a tunnel and opens it again after exiting a tunnel. A completely new multimedia generation offers intuitive operation in the new C-Class Coupe, featuring elaborate animations and visual effects which present all the functions in a clear and highly attractive manner. The new C-Class is also equipped with the unique Frontbass system. This avant-garde acoustic system uses the space within the cross-member and side member in the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers to conjure up a listening experience almost on a par with a concert hall. A Burmester® surround sound system is optionally available. It arrives at U.S. dealers in Spring of 2016.

For more information about the Mercedes-Benz GLS or to place and order, please contact:

Richard Wasson at Park Place Motorcars Arlington (817) 807-4811; RWasson@10.2.54.33

Zach Gilbert at Park Place Motorcars Dallas  (214) 443-8212; ZGgilbert@10.2.54.33

Walter Reed at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth (817) 263-3618; WReed@10.2.54.33

Matt McPherson at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine  (817) 310-7361: MMcPherson@10.2.54.33

Volvo S90 Sedan Is a Real Game Changer

The Volvo S90 has been widely praised for its stunning exterior and sumptuous interior. Its proud yet non-aggressive face, characterized by a concave grille, itself a homage to the Volvo P1800, is home to Volvo’s new Iron Mark. The T-shaped Thor’s Hammer lights deliver a powerful sense of direction that makes the S90 unmistakable on the road.

Half profile Volvo S90 Mussel Blue

Inside this low, four-door coupé, Volvo has taken cues from the success of its XC90 model and raised the bar with some stunning details on the new dashboard and instrument panel, including new air blades that stand vertically on each side of the Sensus user interface.

Interior centre display and air blades Volvo S90/V90Interior Blond Volvo S90/V90

We created our new flagship sedan, the Volvo S90, as a real game changer. It is classy and cool. The exterior is exceptionally well surfaced with a fantastic stance and the sort of clean lines that are singularly appropriate of a Scandinavian design. The interior masters the art of blending innovative technology and natural materials into an elegant, welcoming and tasteful ambience, Swedishness at its best,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design at Volvo Car Group.

The launch of the S90 highlights the ambition of the Swedish car maker, following an $11bn investment and the recent breaking of ground in Charleston, South Carolina, where Volvo Cars will build its first North American production facility, employing around 2,000 workers. “There are strong indications that Volvo is back on track in the US,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President of the Americas at Volvo Car Group. “We expect this strong sales momentum to continue in 2016, helped by the new S90.” The S90 launches with IntelliSafe Assist as standard. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert and the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist.

Interior cockpit Volvo S90/V90

The Pilot Assist functionality gives gentle steering input to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 80 mph (130 km/h) and no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards full autonomous drive – a key innovation area for Volvo, and one which is highlighted at the show with the Concept 26 display, which envisions how a car interior could look and feel in a fully autonomous Volvo.

Pilot Assist

The Volvo S90 also introduces a world first function to City Safety – large animal detection – a feature capable of detecting large animals such as large deer, horses or moose/elk, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive warning and brake support to help avoid or mitigate collisions with large animals.

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The S90 has also benefitted from Volvo Cars’ recent investment in a highly advanced chassis simulator.  “The S90 has taken a big stride forwards in terms of driving dynamics, performance and ride. We have completely redesigned the Volvo driving experience from the ground up to deliver a sense of precision, engaging control and comfort,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Volvo S90

For more information please contact:

Donny Lambrecht, New Car Director at Park Place Volvo, (214) 956-5516, DLambrecht@10.2.54.33

Explore the Volvo S90 here.

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Location Front Quarter Volvo S90 Mussel Blue

Location High-Rear Quarter Volvo S90 Mussel BlueInterior Tunnel Console Volvo S90/V90Interior Detail T8 Orrefors Gearshift

Interior All Seats Volvo S90

Interior Rear Seats Volvo S90

Interior Rear Arm Rest Volvo S90

Lexus Tops J.D.Power’s Dependability Rankings

Lexus continues to dominate the leader board in vehicle dependability among all brands for the fifth consecutive year in the 2016 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). In addition to the brand’s highest score in the overall nameplate ranking, Lexus received three segment awards. The Lexus ES is the most dependable premium model overall, reporting the lowest average number of problems per 100 vehicles and was ranked highest in the Compact Premium Car segment. The study measures the number of owner-reported problems of 2013 model year vehicles in their third-year of ownership.

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2013 Lexus ES

The Lexus GS won in the Midsize Premium Car segment and the Lexus GX in the Midsize Premium SUVs, with the Lexus RX coming in second in the category.

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2013 Lexus GS

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2013 Lexus GX

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2013 Lexus RX

The VDS results are just the latest in a series of recent industry honors taken home by Lexus.

  • Kelley Blue Book recognizes several Lexus vehicles with “Best Resale Value Awards” for 2016.  For the fifth year in a row, Lexus took top honors for luxury brand.
  • Lexus RX and LS flagship sedan each won Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com 5-year “Cost to Own” awards in their segments for new cars in their initial five-year ownership period.

For more information about Lexus models or to schedule a test drive, please contact:
Charles Owen at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, (817) 416-313; Cowen3@10.2.54.33
Patrick Jaccar at Park Place Lexus Plano, (972) 738-8078; PJaccar@10.2.54.33