Slide to ICE! This Holiday Season with Lexus Owners’ Benefits

ice! at gaylord texan

ice! at gaylord texan

Park Place Lexus Plano and Grapevine are excited to sponsor the Gaylord Texan Resort’s 10th annual ICE! attraction. The event returns with an all-new theme featuring Frosty The Snowman. From November 13, 2014 to January 3, 2015, the holiday classic will be brought to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures and 20-foot ice slides carved entirely from TWO-MILLION pounds of ice by visiting artisans from Harbin, China.

Lexus owners will receive the following exclusive benefits for:

Valet Parking

Lexus owners will receive a discounted valet parking rate of $10 (normally $20) when driving their Lexus vehicles to the ICE! attraction. Drivers of Lexus vehicles will receive a red valet ticket upon arrival and will receive a validation ticket after experiencing the ICE! attraction. Lexus owners driving their Lexus vehicle to the ICE! attraction also receive complimentary self-parking.

During high-traffic days such as the days following Thanksgiving and week of Christmas, valet and self- parking at the Gaylord Texan may reach capacity. During these times, all vehicles will be directed to a satellite lot upon entering the property. The property will then shuttle those customers to the venue.

General Admission Ticket Discount

Lexus owners will receive a $5.00 discount on all adult tickets purchased for the ICE! attraction.  This exclusive offer is valid for all ICE! event days except November 27 – 30, 2014.

To receive your discount, use the promo code PARKPLACE when purchasing tickets at www.gaylordtexantickets.com.

To avoid a $3 transaction fee, box office lines and possible sell-outs, Lexus owners are encouraged to purchase their discounted tickets in advance of their visit, with the designated promo code, at the following website:  www.gaylordtexantickets.com

Glass Cactus

In addition to the benefits offered for ICE!, Lexus owners still receive complimentary valet parking at the Glass Cactus, the Gaylord Texan’s exclusive nightclub and live music venue. The benefit is extended to all owners driving their Lexus vehicles to public events taking place at the Glass Cactus.

Lexus Manufacturer, Toyota, Celebrating North Texas Move With Hello Texas Block Party

Toyota Hello Texas Logo

Since announcing plans to establish their new North American headquarters in Plano, Toyota, manufacturer of Lexus automobiles, has received an enormous outpouring of support from the entire community.

To say “thank you,” they are hosting a Hello Texas Block Party on Monday, Oct. 27, at Bishop Park at Legacy Town Center, from 12 – 8 p.m.

Boasting a family friendly atmosphere, eighteen local restaurants will offer delicious fare, accompanied by live concerts from Texas musicians including Elaine Garcia, Curtis Grimes, Bobby Pulido, Lone Star Attitude and Jack Ingram.

Celebrities including FC Dallas player George John, NASCAR driver Darrell Wallace Jr., Bassmaster Elite Pro Tournament Angler Kelly Jordon and Olympic Gold Medalists Nastia Liukin will join for “meet and greets” throughout the day.

Visit their event page for more details. We hope to see you there!

Toyota Hello Texas Logo

Experiencing Excellence: My Park Place Internship Experience

Park Place Summer Intership

Experiencing Excellence: It’s More Than Just a Slogan

My experience as a 2014 summer intern at Park Place Dealerships

“Experts in Excellence” it is a tag line, a simple phrase, yet also an extremely powerful statement. For a single person to claim excellence is quite a feat, but for an entire corporation to proclaim it in everything they do is really impressive.

Every company has their slogan, and we all know the great ones: “I’m lovin it”, “Just Do it”, “Open Happiness.”  As you read each of those slogans images of golden arches, an athlete and a polar bear drinking a soft drink enter your mind. That is because those brands have attached those words to everything they do. Like other iconic brands Park Place Dealership has attached itself to the words “Experts in Excellence.”  It appears on napkins, bottle openers, floor mats, license plates, but most importantly, on each interaction and point of contact. So plastering your company name right on top of the word excellence is a bold statement right? Yes, it is bold, ambitious and overtly assertive. Those are all qualities that it takes to be successful and is one of the reasons why Park Place Dealerships is as successful as we are because of the embodiment of that go-getter mentality.

Another cool thing about placing the word excellence beneath your company name is that you are automatically holding yourself and everyone associated with the company to the highest standard of performance, on and off the job. This is something I have learned quickly and come to appreciate greatly during my summer internship with Park Place Dealerships. Just like being a part of a school, fraternity or sorority when you work for a company you are an automatic brand ambassador for that company.

Through my internship I’ve learned a number of things but I think none of them are as important as living your brand promise. Representing yourself in the best light is something you would think comes naturally to most people or at least should, but turn on the TV for 30 seconds and you might think the contrary.. and even fear for the future of mankind. Yet here at Park Place everything is looked at under a giant microscope, each detail is examined to make sure that the ideal client experience is expressed in every way possible.

Park Place Summer Internship

When I first decided to take this internship I was a bit skeptical about working at a car dealership (I would be lying if I said otherwise).  After the first day of training, I began to witness to the pride and passion that members put into their jobs. I knew from there that this wasn’t like your average auto dealership, or even your average company for that matter.  During the orientation process I learned about all aspects of business. I was able to see everything from what a greeter does to how to fix certain cars to how to make sure you are keeping the books correctly, and I am just a marketing intern! Getting a chance to the full spectrum of the business world was one of the most beneficial opportunities of this internship.

I happen to be a writer and a creator, so when I arrived that it what I was asked to do. I expanded my writing pallet by contributing a multitude of posts to the Park Place News.  I also learned and did plenty of new things like going on photo shoots and driving some really amazing cars all around Dallas/Fort Worth. This gave me a shot to use my photography skills to create an online advertising campaign called “Our Cars, Your City”.  I also learned a whole new world of digital marketing, computer coding and website design.  I was able to create web pages with the help of my fellow intern and now good friend, Zach Swanger. We created the Bugatti brand page for Park place, a whole new Careers site and a few other webpages as well.  Each of these experiences I will confidently put to use in the future.Park Place Summer Intership

The things I’ve learned, were taught and experienced during my summer as a Park Place intern were things I could never master in a classroom. Being an intern here at Park Place Dealerships was unlike any other internship. I know what you are thinking at this point:  I wonder if this is really all he is cracking it up to be? The answer is an over-the-top resounding Yes!

Being a part of Park Place is being a part of something great, something excellent. Maybe not what you might think of when you consider changing lives or helping others, but it really is. That is because when people walk through the doors of any Park Place dealership they can expect one thing without a doubt –to be treated better than anywhere else. The members of Park Place will go above and beyond any request for a client, and I’ve seen this first. They greet you like you are walking into their living room. They treat you like you are their best friend from grade school that traveled half way across the country to see you.  It is an excellent example of world class customer service.

This summer is one I will remember and benefit from for the rest of my life. It gave me a chance to learn about a side of the business world I am interested in and opened my eyes to many possibilities for my future. This is an experience I do not take for granted and that should be pursued by any college student that is looking to make good use of their summer. So I urge you to apply and give it a try.  First, let me caution you.  You have a lot of competition out there for next summer – including me.

A special thank you to everyone at Park Place who helped contribute to the incredible experience I have had here this summer.


Park Place Dealerships Summer Internship

 Click Here To Learn More About Park Place’s Internship Program

Lexus Unveils New Special Editions for 2015: The Crafted Line

To celebrate 25 years of luxury, Lexus showed off their new Crafted Line as a special edition arriving at Park Place and other dealerships this November. The Crafted Line offers customers exquisite style that is unprecedented in the 2015 model line. The beautiful cars feature an Ultra White and Obsidian exterior wrapped around a stunning two-tone black and red interior. As an exciting component of this exclusive line, Lexus is complementing each of The Crafted Line vehicles with a two-piece TUMI duffle bag set designed exclusively for these sporty and elegant cars.

2015 Lexus Crafted Line | Park Place Lexus

The Crafted Line is comprised of the following models: LS 460 F Sport, GS 350 F Sport, and IS 250 F Sport (in all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive models); RX 350 AWD F Sport and ES 350.  The Crafted Line and F Sport models feature such performance and appearance enhancements as a mesh grille and front and rear lower valences. The chart below offers more detail to each model in The Crafted Line.

2015 Lexus Crafted Line Interior | Park Place Lexus

2015 Lexus Crafted Line Comparison Chart| Park Place Lexus

For The Crafted Line, Lexus partnered with TUMI luggage, known for producing unparalleled premium travel, business, and lifestyle luggage accessories for over 35 years.  Each Crafted Line vehicle comes with an exclusive luggage set to match the elegance of these beautiful cars. The TUMI luggage pieces offered with the cars feature the Lexus logo along with an interior to match the vehicle’s, including red stitching. Along with the two bags that come with the cars, TUMI also has designed larger bags to accompany The Crafted Line owners’ on a longer travel.*Delivery, handling and processing is an additional $925.
2015 Lexus Crafted Line Tumi Luggage Set| Park Place Lexus

All Crafted Line models, along with the TUMI duffle bag set, will be on public display for the first time at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance August 15-17.  For more information, check back with Park Place Dealerships, as pricing details are expected to be released closer to the launch of The Crafted Line.

Lexus Wants You to Run With the Bulls

Let’s face it, who doesn’t like to go fast? Whether you are a CEO, soccer mom, college student or anything in-between most everyone loves the thrill of speed. As your pulse rate climbs, the hair on the back on your neck stands up right and that natural high of flying across asphalt courses through your veins all while a roaring machine serves as your chariot to this oasis of adrenaline. There is just something that the feeling of going fast gives off that infatuates us as human beings. It especially hooks the people at Lexus and for the first time ever they want to show the people just how much they like to go fast. For the first time in the company’s prestigious history they are releasing three of their new cars on the race track. Never before has Lexus released any of its vehicles on the track to dealers but these cars are different. Each new model Lexus is releasing is inspired from the asphalt up with speed at the fore front of each design.

The new 2015 NX is Lexus’ first ever compact crossover with a turbo charged engine. It is a car that takes everything Lexus is known for: quality, fuel efficiency, reliability, comfort,  etc and adds a 2.0-liter, direct-injection, 235-hp, 258-lb-ft torque, 17-psi of boost. In America the 2015 Lexus NX will be available in a two variants, the Hybrid and the Turbo, with AWD available for both and the F-Sport package. Lexus is looking to make quite a slash with these new models and the NX is just where they are getting started when it comes to speed.

The 2015 RC F has a powerful and refined V8 that promises to take both the track and street with its own aggressive style. Under the hood that 5.0-liter V-8 is rated at 460 hp mated to an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a special torque-vectoring differential. The chassis is specially tuned and wider 19-inch wheels are fitted to provide the car with tremendously precise handling. The interior on bot the 2015 RC and RC f models is impeccable with craftsmanship and materials that look just as this chic speed machine should. All three of these cars can run and run fast. The only thing Lexus doesn’t know is if you can handle it.

That is why Lexus is hosting its first ever “Running of the Bulls” starting off in Dallas, TX September 15-16 at Motorsport Ranch to give people a chance to feel the power behind all three of these new Lexus cars.  Lexus will be traveling the country showing off these cars and for a full tour calendar of where and when Lexus will be click here.

If you want to see more Lexus vehicles or just want to check out more on these new models come by Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine to see the nation’s largest stock of new and used Lexus cars.

The All-New Mercedes-Benz 2015 S-Class Coupe

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Park Place Dallas

The dream car that was just a dream. Until now and it is nightmare for every other car on the road. The new sleek design of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is the automotive equivalent to a world-class super model, beauty without exception.

Most cars begin as concepts whose ideals rarely reach the final product — until now. The 2015 S-Class Coupe is virtually unchanged from the concept version — a breathtaking new expression of the Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class. Stylistically self-assured presence, exclusive appointments and refined sportiness – the new S-Class Coupe from Mercedes-Benz combines the classic proportions of a large, sporty coupe with modern luxury and state-of-the art technology. This vehicle is a combination of sporting and luxury rarely seen on a car at with price point. At Mercedes-Benz it is the little things like that fact that If you’re one of the first customers to purchase an S-Class coupe, you’ll get the Edition 1 special model with 47 Swarovski crystals embedded in the headlights. Yes, you read that correctly this car is powered by a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8 making 449 hp and basically has diamonds in her eyes. If the new 2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe is the perfect Bond villain car then the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is the picturesque Bond girl car. The cars smooth lines in cooperation with its silver bullet like form make it one of the most aesthetically pleasing cars Mercedes-Benz has ever crafted, and we haven’t gotten to the interior yet.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S class coupe Park Place Motorcars Dallas

This sporty two-door commands a striking, self-assured presence highlighted by refined appointments expected from the S-Class. It also delivers exhilarating driving dynamics that can only come from a coupe powered by a 449-hp V8 biturbo engine.

Per usual, the S-Class Coupe is packed with some of the world’s most innovative driving assistance systems, such as Intelligent Drive, which includes PRE-SAFE® Brake with Pedestrian Detection and DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist, among others. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS can even autonomously apply the brakes in an emergency, helping to prevent rear-end collisions from up to 25 mph.

Who would know that underneath the sensuous curves and sleek lines that such a technologically advanced marvel awaited? One step into the cockpit, one press of the gas pedal, one grin from ear to ear — it’s a clear reminder that this is no dream.

The two-door S550 Coupe will be available in the U.S. as a 4MATIC® with a 4.7-liter V8 biturbo engine. The S550 Coupe has an output of 449 hp and its torque level peaks at 516 lb-ft. The sporty driving experience is significantly enhanced by the emotional sound produced by the exhaust system.

Highlights

  • World’s first active curve tilting function.
  • PRE-SAFE® Brake with Pedestrian Recognition.
  • PRE-SAFE® PLUS rear-end collision protection.
  • DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist.
  • BAS® PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist.
  • Active Lane Keeping Assist.
  • Adaptive High Beam Assist.
  • Night View Assist® PLUS.
  • COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS.
  • Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system.
  • Panorama roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL®.
  • Large, two-part wide screen display.
  • AIR-BALANCE package.
  • Touchpad.
  • Head-up display.

2015-mercedes-benz-c-class-interior-park place dallas2015-Mercedes-S-Class-Coupe-front-cabin

With the curve tilting function, the Coupe introduces a world first for series-production cars: The Coupe leans into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier. The lateral acceleration acting upon occupants is reduced in a way akin to when driving in a steep curve, and passengers sit more firmly. On country roads in particular, the new curve tilting function enhances driving enjoyment and comfort.

Like the S-Class Sedan, the new Coupe is available with many new assistance systems that make driving more comfortable and safer. The “Intelligent Drive” systems include, among other things the PRE-SAFE® brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist, BAS® PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive High-beam Assist and Night View Assist® PLUS.

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS features an additional function apart from the adaptive brake assistant, which provides collision protection from a speed of 4 mph: if there remains a danger of collision and the driver fails to respond, the system can carry out an autonomous braking maneuver at speeds of up to 65 mph, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 31 mph, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to 25 mph.

2015-mercedes-benz-s-class-interior park place

As in the sedan, the PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system includes of PRE-SAFE® PLUS. It can recognize an imminent rear-end collision. If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the parking brake on the vehicle stationary and thus minimize the risk of whiplash injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear.

In cooperation with high-end audio specialists Burmester, two especially high value audio systems have been developed: the Burmester® surround sound system and the Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system.

The new S-Class Coupe and its innovations seamlessly continue the tradition of large coupes into the future and will launch in the U.S. this fall with the S550 4MATIC®.geneva-mercedes-benz-s-class-coupe-1 653 park place

July 4th Holiday Weekend Puts Millions Of Americans In Their Car Traveling To Festivities

red white and blue cars July 4th

Approximately 41 million people will travel farther than 50 miles or more from home over the 4th of July holiday weekend this year according to AAA. That is an increase over the same weekend in 2013 and more than 14 percent more compared to Memorial Day weekend.

Park Place Dealerships has invited clients to share their stories and photos of their travels in their cars over the holiday weekend on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #ParkPlace4th.

red white and blue cars July 4th

“We want to see how families use their vehicles to enjoy time together,” said Rob Sumner, marketing director of Park Place Dealerships. “Some families are going to the beach, visiting extended family, or exploring another part of the country so they will spend many hours in their cars. It’s fun to share pictures of road trips and we hope to see some fun photos.”

The Brand New Mercedes-Benz 2015 GLA-Class

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA at Park Place Motorcars Dallas

The Mercedes-Benz 2015 GLA-Class

When your looking to go some where with both luxury and utility in mind then the multi-talented all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is meant for you.

With its progressive design, serene day-to-day driving and off-road capability: easily handling various automotive applications, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reinterprets the compact SUV segment. It effortlessly masters day-to-day driving and is also robust enough for off-road excursions.

The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment is highly maneuverable around town, lively on country roads and athletic and efficient on the highway. The high quality appointments, developed with much attention to detail, and the versatile interior clearly position the GLA-Class as a premium compact SUV. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA even made an appearance earlier this month in the new Mario Kart 8 video game for the Nintendo Wii as the feature Kart. The GLA is a small SUV – not a crossover – which is capable of urban commuting and any other adventure you have been itching to go on lately.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA at Park Place Motorcars Dallas

Highlights

  • 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.
  • 208 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
  • Seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
  • Electromechanical power steering.
  • COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.
  • ATTENTION ASSIST®.
  • 18-inch 5-twin spoke wheels.
  • Chrome roof rail.
  • New-generation 4MATIC® all-wheel drive (optional).
  • Panorama sunroof (optional).

More Grip

It’s also the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to be available with the new-generation permanent 4MATIC® all-wheel drive system, with fully variable torque distribution. This all-wheel drive system excels with even more grip and outstanding agility while also enhancing driving safety and energy efficiency. Additional benefits of this design are a lower weight than is available from the competition, and high efficiency.

Self-Assured Exterior

Providing the impressive front face are the headlamps and available LED daytime running lamps. This iconic Mercedes-Benz design feature was developed further using tri-functional fiber-optics to create the vehicle’s characteristic light signature. The front bumper features diamond-pattern grilles in front of the cooling air intakes. The standard fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper.

A simulated skid plate and contrasting dark-grey sill panels all-around emphasize the compact SUV’s characteristics. The panels begin low down at the front bumper and provide protection against stone impact.

Attractive, High Quality Interior

The muscular and imposing appearance of the exterior is systematically continued into the interior. This has a high-quality feel resulting from the contours, choice and combinations of high-grade materials. A three-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys and a galvanized chrome clasp is standard equipment. The choice of seat upholsteries (standard MB-Tex or optional leather) and color combinations allows plenty of scope for personalization.

Its flexible and variable interior includes rear seat backrests that fold down completely. The well laid-out generous luggage compartment can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low loading sill and the wide tailgate, which can open automatically as an option. The rigid body structure provides a reliable basis for the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 208 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

Off-road Functions

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA Park Place Motorcars Dallas

Models with 4MATIC® are equipped with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. DSR is activated by a control button in the center console, and assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients. This is done with the help of the engine and transmission control systems, and by specific braking intervention.

When the off-road transmission mode is selected using the transmission mode switch, the gearshift points and accelerator characteristics are modified to meet the requirements for driving on light off-road terrain and especially loose surfaces. In combination with the standard single-disc CD audio system with USB Port, Bluetooth® connectivity and HD Radio or optional COMAND® system, the head unit can also be switched to an off-road display.

Safety and Technology

Many driving assistance systems offer support in the GLA-Class and reduce the driver’s workload. Standard features for the SUV include ATTENTION ASSIST® drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which now helps to protect against collisions from a speed of only 4 mph.

This feature combines with DISTRONIC PLUS® (part of the Driver Assistance Package) to become COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. This incorporates an additional function: If a danger of collision arises and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 124 mph, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 18 mph, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 12 mph.

Like all models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the GLA-Class comes with mbrace2™, which provides users with a range of online and concierge services and apps all linking seamlessly to smartphones for use inside and outside the car.

The new GLA-Class rounds off the Mercedes-Benz SUV portfolio, which has five model series (GLA-Class, GLK-Class, ML-Class, GL-Class and G-Class). Nimble on the road and capable off of it, the all-new 2015 GLA-Class is ready for every turn your life takes. A premium compact SUV with responsive handling and dramatic styling to match, the GLA-Class also offers an interior immersed in signature Mercedes-Benz quality. Arriving in fall 2014 at Park Place Motorcars Dallas, Grapevine and Fort Worth.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA Park Place Motorcars Dallas

Lexus Wins its 17th JD Power Award

When you buy a car you want to trust that everything’s going to run smoothly, the way it is meant to be. And there’s one manufacturer that has been doing it the “way it is meant to be” for almost the past two decades. This standalone manufacturer in the dependability category is Lexus.

Park Place-lexus-what-car-jd-power

When it comes to dependability, the world knows that winning the JD Power award is the apex. This year Lexus again took the top spot in J.D. Power’s 2014 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study – now three straight years. The Japanese auto maker has averaged 40 fewer problems per 100 vehicles than the second closest manufacturer, and that’s a lot. The 2014 Lexus ES, LS, GS, GX and RX won individual awards as well, each coming in top of their class. Although Lexus lost the top ranking in 2009-11, it had been on top of the survey for 14 years before that. All this being said, the Lexus brand stands as the cornerstone of quality and dependability in the automotive industry. Lexus’ constant “Pursuit of Perfection”, partnered with its penchant for innovation, has helped this automaker establish itself as quality manufacturer. Their vehicles exude class, comfort, efficiency and most of all dependability.

If you are looking for a car that is made to be more reliable than any other on the road, then you should check-out the impressive inventory of new and pre-owned Lexus vehicles at  Lexus Plano or Lexus Grapevine.