Park Place Reveals Mobile Pop Up for all New Automotive Experiences

Park Place Dealerships revealed its new mobile pop up at the 2019 DFW Auto Show this past March. The Mobile Experience Unit will be used across DFW at events throughout North Texas to bring the Park Place brand directly to the automotive enthusiast.

“The mobile pop up gives us the opportunity to expand the presence of our brand beyond the parameters of the dealership,” said Dave Evans, Chief Marketing Officer at Park Place Dealerships. “Experiences play a huge role with customers today and are the main drivers of customer engagement. We believe the mobile pop up allows us to engage with the consumer wherever we want to take it.”

 

During the DFW Auto Show, the pop up will be onsite to deliver an inclusionary experience for everyone who stops to visit the Park Place area. The mobile unit has already provided innovative experiences for clients at both the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase and at the COTA track.

Park Place continues to be an innovator in the automotive space by developing unique offerings to expose current and potential clients to the brands. In the past year, Park Place introduced and expanded Park Place Select, an automotive subscription service.

“As a company, we must be in tune with where our clients spend their time and how they use their vehicles,” remarked Evans. “Our client’s transportation needs are as diverse as they are, and range from attending festivals and sporting events to shuttling friends and family to racing their cars, or simply enjoying life. We expect the mobile pop up will help us deliver an unparalleled, client-focused experience.”


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, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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.

 

 

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.

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.

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!”  

 

McLaren Dallas Delivers Million Dollar Senna

McLaren Dallas recently delivered a McLaren Senna valued at more than $1 million to long-time client Josh Snowhorn at a private reception at Park Place Premier Collection on Lemmon Avenue.

“I was born into cars,” says Snowhorn. “In 1970 my Dad picked me up from the hospital in an Aston-Martin DB5 Vantage – the James Bond car. My first car was a ‘bass boat blue’ Karmann Ghia with a white convertible top.”

Snowhorn is founder and Chief Strategy Officer of EdgeMicro, one of the most successful Edge Data Center companies in North America.

“My love of McLaren started when a friend of mine came to Dallas for a conference. I’d already been in his McLaren and had the lust for it. He said, ‘well let’s go down to the dealership,’ and he took me to McLaren Dallas. They let me have it for an hour test drive and I was ruined. I had to have it.”

The Senna is the most track-focused road car McLaren has ever built. It’s also the lightest. While it is street legal, it is “not sanitized to suit it,” according to McLaren’s website.

“I started with a 12C and went on and on. I bought lots of McLarens. The cars are amazing – that goes without saying. Other manufacturers also have great cars. But McLaren is family. From Tony Joseph, McLaren North America’s president, to the designers and engineers, the race team and the pit crew, they’re all approachable and accessible. I challenge you to find that with any other brand. That fabric is what makes McLaren so special.”

The Senna sports a mid-engine twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, sending 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That translates into a 0-to-60 time of 2.8 seconds… 100 mph in 5.1 seconds… but with an incredible aerodynamically designed down-force to keep the beautiful beast on the pavement.

“I own or have owned a McLaren 12C, 675LT, 570S GT4, and a 600LT. I now have my McLaren Senna (chassis #264) and will soon have a McLaren Senna GTR. My McLaren 570S GT4 (chassis #003, the first one ever in private hands,) is a legitimate racecar. But it’s forgiving to a gentleman driver like me. I’m no pro. I’m just a guy having fun with my friends.”

While Snowhorn lives in Austin, he’s quick to tell you McLaren Dallas is “his place.”

“This is my original dealer. Everyone here has always been so incredibly supportive. When I need something, it’s taken care of right away. It’s sort of an extension of the corporate McLaren family I mentioned earlier. McLaren Dallas is like home.”

From Left to Right: Heath Strayhan, General Manager of McLaren Dallas, Josh Snowhorn- McLaren Dallas Client, Tony Joseph- President of McLaren North America
From Left to Right: Heath Strayhan- General Manager of McLaren Dallas, Josh Snowhorn- McLaren Dallas Client, Tony Joseph- President of McLaren North America

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

Adapting to Ever-Changing Consumer Expectations at Park Place Select

It’s Client-First at Park Place Select

Would you be surprised to hear that the consumer (client) experience is shifting? That it’s not only about how the product fills a need, but rather how the team that delivers the product, benefits and positively affects the day to day of a client? Think about it, whenever a negative experience is had- say you ordered a hot coffee and they handed it to you iced, and after asking for hot again, the barista still gave you an iced coffee- it’s not the product you’re frustrated with, but rather it’s the barista who wasn’t listening to your needs and wants that earns those sentiments.

This change in consumer expectations when being sold or serviced isn’t just present in commodity operations, but has shifted the world of automotive towards a human-centric approach which provides GREAT experiences and creates EXCEPTIONAL memories that accompany their new and pre-owned automobile.

Delivering a Positive Experience at Park Place Select

Whether it’s a new or pre-owned purchase/lease or a service visit, Park Place strives to provide our clients with exceptional experiences for each and every client. As of last year, the same mission applies to Park Place Select, our luxury automotive subscription service, where each one of our team members from our Director of Operations to our Concierges, are dedicated to creating memorable experiences every time they perform a flip, i.e. switching a client’s vehicle. Once a flip is requested, we are not simply delivering another car, but providing the Select Subscribers with a service that uniquely enhances their individual lifestyle based on their wants, needs, and of course, schedules. 

For Dorian Alves, a self-employed Park Place Select Subscriber, this program has taken the hassle out of vehicle maintenance, adding the luxury of convenience to his day to day.

Park Place Select has taken the hassle out of maintaining our vehicles which is such a convenience in addition to being able to drive current year or better luxury vehicles. We had family fly in from out of town and were able to have an SUV available the next day to pick up the crew from the airport.

The program works great for self-employed clients and subscribers who may enjoy a bit more variation in their daily routines because of the ability to quickly adapt your daily driver to fit an unexpected need or upcoming circumstance. I chose to become a member of Park Place Select because it’s the perfect program for someone like myself who gets tired of vehicles very easily and looks forward to changing constantly.

Consumer Feedback: A Must to Making Waves in DFW

Alves first heard about the program from his brother, who is also a Select Subscriber and fellow car enthusiast: “We are both car enthusiasts and enjoy the different beauty and performance that each car brings.”  So far, his favorite flips have been Mercedes-Benz or Porsche models, but he looks forward to experiencing AMG performance with the simple click of a button.  “I love driving anything AMG or supercharged! I’m hoping to get into a 911 or anything close to a supercar soon. 

Of course, no service is perfect, so when feedback is provided, it’s important that the Park Place Select team recognizes opportunities to further enhance the Select experience.  Alves noted that scheduling flips as of late has not been as easy as it was when the program first launched, a concern our team most certainly understands.

“Park Place Select Leadership is constantly looking for ways to improve the subscriber experience incrementally, which has resulted in the addition of new models and overall program expansion,” says Douglas Schnitzer, Director of Operations for Park Place Select.

After all, it’s great to be heard, but it’s even better to know that your feedback has been taken seriously and acted upon. Recently, the Select team introduced the Premier Tier, featuring Bentley, McLaren, Maserati, and the Mercedes-Benz G-Series.

Looking Forward: Recognizing the Shift in Expectations to Continue Making an Impact

The client experience is shifting, and, with products and services becoming more multi-faceted than ever, we at Park Place understand the importance of adapting our business in order to continue to provide our current clients the luxury experience they’ve come to expect from Park Place, and now Park Place Select.

We certainly look forward to making the Park Place Select Experience unforgettable by not only providing some the world’s finest vehicles at our clients’ finger tips, but by delivering personalized service, exciting new models, and authentic feedback opportunities that remain unparalleled in DFW. 

Learn more about Park Place Select, and about newest Tier addition by visiting www.ParkPlaceSelect.com

 

The Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase is Set to Return on September 28, 2019

IRVING, Texas (March 4, 2019) – The 3rd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, 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 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019.

“The community has come out in force to support this event the last two years,” said Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships founder and chairman. “The third annual event will again showcase some of the most exotic and exciting vehicles that will please enthusiasts of all ages. What began three years ago as an engaging opportunity to celebrate our 30th anniversary has quickly turned into the foremost luxury lifestyle and automotive event in this region.”

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

In keeping with a true lifestyle event, Park Place will expand its fashion, food and retail offerings within the Porsche Pavilion. There will be music performances on the Lexus Live Stage and beverages at The Mercedes-Benz Beer Garden on the lush Four Seasons TPC Championship golf course.

Within the event will be a juried Collectors’ Concours, featuring a diverse selection of rare supercars, luxury, sports, vintage and classic cars from private collectors.  The motoring festival also will include a Car Club Expo powered by Park Up Front as well as the beloved Kid’s Zone. 

Iconic luxury shopping and dining destination, Highland Park Village, will present a runway show produced by Jan Strimple Productions for the second year. The fashion show will feature looks from prestigious brands presented exclusively in the climate-controlled pavilion on the resort grounds, with retail pop-ups for guests to shop the day of the event.

Dallas’ Mad Hatter Shane Walker will return to judge the 2019 Haute Hat Contest on The Million Air Stage with categories for stylish men and women. Guests are encouraged to pair a hat with their favorite resort-inspired ensemble.

Ranging from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, which includes the VIP Lounge with complimentary food and beverages from dozens of the area’s finest restaurants, tickets are on sale at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com. VIP Tickets are limited and have sold out the previous two years.


In 2018, the top Collectors’ Concours award winners were presented with the “Spirit of Park Place” hand-crafted sculpture by Dallas artist Brad Oldham:

  • Best of Show – 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C
  • Chairman’s Choice Award – 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II
  • Salesmanship Club Award – 1980 BMW M1

A Thank You To Our Returning Sponsors

Returning partners include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, VIP Lounge Sponsors Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|URBAN, Captain’s Lounge Sponsor Celebrity Cruises, The City of Irving, Hill & Wilkinson, Hagerty, Event Architecture, AT&T Business, AVSD Productions, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades Décor, Brad Oldham Sculpture, D Magazine and NBC 5.

Restaurants featured in the VIP Lounge include The French Room, LAW, III Forks, Cool River, Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Outlaw Tap Room, Kai, Toulouse, Whiskey Cake, Texas de Brazil, Princi Italia, CRU Wine and Food Bar, Pacific Table, Cork & Pig Tavern, Make Your Life Sweeter, and Carlton Provisions.

Additional sponsors include Lilium Florals, Perks & Provisions, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Furniture, RideCentric, iDesignMeetings, Marquee Event Rentals, Bachendorf’s, Jack Black, Maui Jim, Renegade Cigars, Tito’s Vodka, Peroni Beer, Waste Management, GL Seaman, Ratcliff Financial Services, Garages of Texas, Thermal Printing, and MarineMax Yachts.


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 in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

Lexus Earns Top Brand in J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

To no surprise, Lexus has once again come out on top with it’s Safety and Dependability. Announced earlier this month, the luxury car brand earned the top spot in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study for the eight consecutive year.  The parent company’s namesake (Toyota) also took high honors, tying with Porsche for second place. 

This study is annually performed, to assess the dependability of some of the most common vehicles on the road. What you may not know is that this study evaluates vehicle’s that are three years old, so in reality, Lexus’ 2016 models  won this year’s accolade. 

That’s great news for all Lexus Lovers and consumers; as technology only improves every year, you can bet that if you’re sitting in a 2017, 2018, or 2019 model, you’re privy to its award winning dependability.  In individual categories, the ES model won compact premium car, while the GX won midsize premium SUV.

Learn more on our New, Certified, and Pre-Owned Lexus options on ParkPlace.com

Park Place Volvo Wins 2018 Excellence Award

Your local leader in Scandinavian luxury vehicles, Park Place Volvo continues to strive together for a personal commitment to excellence. The Park Place Volvo team’s efforts were recognized as a winner of the 2018 Volvo Excellence Award.

Park Place Volvo General Manager Donny Lambrecht and his team members were one of only 12 Volvo retailers to receive the award.


What is the Volvo Excellence Award?

Winners of the Volvo Excellence Award are a driving force for leadership and growth. The exclusive group of retailers are also vital contributors to the brand, business, and customer experience pillars that support evolving the Volvo journey.

Areas of focus for a retailer to qualify for the Volvo Excellence Award include: new car retail sales must meet or exceed the previous year sales numbers, year-end sales SSI and service CSI must meet or exceed the year-end national averages, training must meet sales, service, parts, and technical requirements in all four quarters.

Volvo Cars Global Record Setting Year

Volvo set a new global sales record in 2018 and experienced 20.6% Y-O-Y growth from the 12 month period of January – December 2018. The Swedish brand’s remarkable sales growth was supported by the increasing demand of SUVs, most notably Volvo’s best-selling model, XC60.


Park Place Volvo is grateful to receive the Volvo Excellence Award that symbolizes each member’s focus to having a personal commitment to excellence, taking responsibility for their actions, and doing things right the first time. This is the first Volvo Excellence Award for Park Place Volvo since 2015.

Thank you to our Dallas-Fort Worth Community for choosing Park Place Volvo as Your Place to build your Volvo relationship for years to come.  To all of our team members in the service department – from the Valets and Car Washers, in the sales department – from the Sales Managers to the Porters: Without your efforts, we would not be able to provide an excellent client experience each and every day.  

Check out what’s new at Park Place Volvo by visiting ParkPlace.com.