Lexus – Page 9 – Park Place Dealerships

January 12, 2017January 16, 2017

Lexus Announces Pricing for All-New 2018 LC Performance Coupe

Since the premiere of the LC 500 performance coupe last year, the most frequently asked question has been, “How much will it cost?” Today that question was answered with news that both the 2018 LC 500 and its hybrid sibling, the LC 500h, will have Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) below $100,000 when they arrive at dealerships this May.

The all-new LC 500, powered by a normally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, matched with the first direct shift 10-speed automatic transmission to be featured in a luxury car, delivering 471 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft of torque, will have a starting MSRP of $92,000. The LC 500h, powered by 3.5-liter, V6 full hybrid powertrain, delivering a total system output of 354 horsepower, will have a starting MSRP of $96,510.

The LC is a new flagship 2+2 performance coupe with avant-garde styling achieved through an unprecedented level of cooperation between design and engineering teams. It is the first model on the new Lexus ‘Global Architecture – Luxury’ platform (GA-L), designed for new generations of front engine/rear-wheel drive Lexus models. As the first model to benefit from Lexus’ new Multi-Stage Hybrid system, the LC 500h delivers efficient environmental performance without sacrificing powerful driving performance.

The LC will be equipped with an array of standard features such as a glass roof, ultra-compact triple projector LED headlamps, arrowhead daytime running lights (DRL) combined with the triple-projector headlamps to create the next-generation Lexus lamp signature, three-dimensional rear lamp, Drive Mode Select, paddle shifters, next-generation Remote Touch Interface with touchpad, Lexus Premium Audio, and a color 10.3 inch TFT multi-information display. All LCs are equipped as standard with Lexus Safety System+, a package of active safety features including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Intelligent High Beam.

Optional equipment on the base LC 500 and LC 500h models includes 20” and 21” forged wheels, Mark Levinson audio system, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Intuitive Park Assist (IPA), Heads-Up Display (HUD) and Cold Area Package, which includes heated steering wheel and windshield de-icer.

November 18, 2016November 30, 2016

Park Place Lexus Recognized For Best Practices In Customer Focus By Baldrige Performance Excellence Program

Texas-based Park Place Lexus has been recognized for a best practice in customer focus by the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, part of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program.

“The path we started more than a decade ago to pursue the Baldrige Program has led to improved strategies and best management practices we have implemented to better serve our clients,” said Ken Schnitzer, chairman and founder of Park Place Dealerships. “We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to consistently deliver a positive customer experience.”

Park Place has two Lexus dealerships in North Texas that jointly received the recognition. Park Place Lexus Grapevine, located near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Park Place Lexus Plano, just north of Dallas, employ more than 570 people. In 2005, the two dealerships received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for sustainable excellence through visionary leadership, organizational alignment, systemic improvement and innovation.

“Based on our continued improvement through a systematic approach to goal-setting, measures and reviews, we offer our clients the best automotive purchase and ownership experience,” remarked Jordan Case, President of Park Place Lexus. ”We continue to improve our processes of learning what we could do better and pushing ourselves to be the best in our industry.”

During a recent visit from Baldrige examiners, a site visit evaluation team spent several days interviewing 400 of Park Place’s nearly 600 Lexus members. Park Place Lexus was one of six organizations in the country to receive a best practices honor. The complete list includes:

City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins, Colorado—leadership
Kaiser Permanente San Diego, San Diego, California—leadership
Maury Regional Medical Center, Columbia, Tennessee—leadership
Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina—leadership and strategy
Park Place Lexus of Texas, Plano, Texas—customers
Southern Management Corporation, Vienna, Virginia—workforce

The Baldrige Performance Excellence Program raises awareness about the importance of performance excellence in driving the U.S. and global economy; provides organizational assessment tools and criteria; and educates leaders in all type of organizations about the practices of national role models. Since the first Baldrige Award recipients were recognized in 1988, 109 awards have been presented to 102 organizations (including seven two-time award recipients). The Baldrige Award recognizes the nation’s top-level performers in six categories: manufacturing, service, small business, health care, education and nonprofit.

October 26, 2016

Chrysalis Ball Attendees Win A Year Of Lexus

Park Place Lexus Plano donated the use of a different Lexus each quarter for a year as an auction item at the 2016 Chrysalis Ball benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County. The event was held in the Grand Ballroom at Embassy Suites in Frisco on October 15. Richard & Cathy Riccardi were the high bidders and will get to drive a Lexus RX, ES, NX and GS for three months each for a year. The package also included four seats to a Dallas Stars game, a Frisco RoughRiders suite for 12 people for the 2017 season including food and beverages; and four tickets to a 2017 Texas Rangers game with seats behind the dugout and complimentary parking.

Cathy & Richard Riccardi will be driving a different Lexus every 3 months thanks to the Chrysalis Ball and Park Place Lexus Plano

“We’re thrilled to help these young people who will one day shape our future,” said Chris Brunner, general manager of Park Place Lexus Plano. “The Boys & Girls Clubs does an amazing job in mentoring and challenging kids. They have a 100-percent rate of high school graduation for kids in their program. You have to support an organization that produces results like that.”

Founded in 1969 with locations in Frisco, Plano and McKinney, the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. More info at http://www.bgccc.org

October 5, 2016

Park Place Lexus Service Consultants Honored with Lexus Skills Showdown Award

Park Place Lexus Grapevine recently had two members (employees) qualify for the Lexus Southern Area’s 3rd annual Technician/Service Consultant Lexus Skills Showdown. This award recognizes the top elite service consultants from 65 different Lexus stores from Texas to North Carolina. Park Place Lexus Grapevine technician Byron McEwen and service consultant Eric Wright qualified and won top awards.

“We’re honored to have Byron and Eric on our team at Park Place Lexus Grapevine,” said Matt Woolsey, general manager of Park Place Lexus Grapevine. “Offering clients a fabulous experience is our first priority and we work tirelessly to hire and train the right people to serve our clients. We can proudly say that we truly have the Best of the Best in the Lexus Southern Area to provide service at the highest level to our clients.”

Lexus Master Technician Byron McEwen and Assistant Service Manager Eric Wright were graded as a team and also individually on their performance in the overall Lexus service process. Each individual and team were graded on greeting and writing up a client, the process of diagnosing and repairing a vehicle, and performing a delivery with the client after repairs were completed.

Out of 43 teams, McEwen and Wright took second place earning each of them $1,500 prize money. In the individual competition, Assistant Service Manager Eric Wright took first place in the ASM service writer up competition. Wright is rated as the #1 ASM out of nearly 600 in the Lexus Southern Area. Wright received an additional $1,000 for his efforts.

Located at 901 Highway 114 East, Park Place Lexus Grapevine is the only automobile dealership to ever win the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The award is the only formal recognition of performance excellence of both public and private U.S. organizations given by the President of the United States. The dealership has also been recognized as an elite of Lexus Dealer 16 years in a row, and received a #1 national ranking in customer satisfaction.

August 4, 2016November 30, 2016

2016 Lexus ES Review

How do you make something so popular better? Well, the 2016 Lexus ES 350 tackles that problem with a strikingly revised angular grill replete with chrome trim. Flanking it are new standard LED headlights which complete the sedan imposing steely glare. Finishing off the handsome look are unique triangular fog lamps in the corners below the headlamps. Four colors join the line to give you more choices and they contain a self-healing clear coat technology. This type of paint actually has the ability to repair itself after it has been scratched and it’s not as easily damaged as conventional paints.

When you pop the hood of the ES 350, you’re looking at the tried and true V6 power plant that generates 268-hp that has been a staple of the Lexus line for a number of years. Reliable, a great performer and paired with a 6-speed transmission that is just silky smooth on the road. Vehicle stability control limits wheel slip for sure footed handling even on slippery surfaces. The ES can also come with variety of safety features from lane-departure to PCS, or pre-collision system, which detects other vehicles when approaching them rapidly. The entire body of the ES has been designed to have a low coefficient of drag which contributes it’s quiet ride and fuel efficiency. The ES has a surprisingly cabin and it offers loads of standard amenities such as 10-way power seats, power-integrated mirrors and automatic climate control. The cargo also boasts tons of space for luggage, golf clubs or both.

We’d like to invite you to get up close and personal with the new ES at one of our Park Place Lexus Dealerships. We have locations in both Grapevine and Plano. Or visit us online at parkplace.com. Click here to view our ES inventory.

July 28, 2016July 22, 2016

2016 Lexus RX Review

Since it’s launch, the new 2016 Lexus RX 350 luxury crossover SUV has been a best-seller, and for very good reason. The latest model has a new design inside and out that takes the elegance up to a new and impressive level. The most notable changes to the body are the addition of vivid creases and sharp crisp edges that have the RX standing out from a sea of SUV competitors. Lexus’ signature spindle grill has undergone an evolution as it now has a full chrome plate from top to bottom. Three new colors have been added and all models wear a scratch-resistant, self-storing coat in the body paint to keep the crossover looking as glossy as the first day you drove it home.

A new advanced 3.5L V6 engine, new 8-speed automatic transmission and variable valve timing with intelligence system up the performance. The 2016 RX has more horsepower at 295 and straight line stability to serve up a polished ride that’s fine tuned for fuel efficiency and low emissions. Never before seen in a Lexus vehicle the new RX has blacked out C pillars that give the illusion that the roof is floating. Wrapping around the side to the rear are L-shaped taillights with a full length chrome strip that runs between them. Boasting more cargo space than any other vehicle in it’s class, the RX can store 4 large suitcases, multiple sets of golf clubs or some of each. New in this model and a Lexus first is the touch-free power rear door. This allows you to open the rear door without digging out your keys. Just wave a hand by the Lexus emblem and the hood opens.

Possessing more charisma, more driving aids and more convenience features, the fearless and elegant new RX continues to blaze the trail for premium luxury crossovers. After driving one for the past couple of days, I can confidently tell you experiencing it in person is a vastly different experience than seeing one on the road. Discover why the RX makes a top-seller at Park Place Lexus Grapevine or Park Place Lexus Plano. Or visit us online at parkplace.com. Click here to view our RX inventory.

June 15, 2016

Park Place Dealerships – Texas Rangers Triple Play Game Show Spectacular Another Success

The 14th Annual Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Game Show Spectacular was another great success. Park Place Dealerships is a proud sponsor of the event, which benefits the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and supports numerous initiatives including the construction of the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex in West Dallas.

The theme for the 2016 Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play was “Fields of Dreams.”

“Park Place Dealerships has been the presenting sponsor of this event since its inception in 2002,” said Rob Sumner, Park Place Dealerships’ director of marketing. “This event has it all: celebrity sightings, great entertainment, and most importantly, an opportunity to raise funds for our community where it is most needed. Working with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation every year is a great experience and partnership as we have similar goals in helping kids maximize their potential.”

Last year’s Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play event raised more than $610,000 for the Rangers Baseball Foundation. Celebrating its 25th year, the Foundation has given back more than $14 million to help area children. The Foundation provides support for youth baseball programs, youth education, youth health, and youth in crisis.

“The Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy really will be a field where dreams come true,” said Karin Morris, executive director of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide children across North Texas with a safe place to play baseball and softball. In addition to providing year-round baseball and softball instruction, the Academy will host tournaments, coaching clinics, and skills camps. It will also give young students access to tutoring programs, college prep classes, college and career fairs, financial literacy and internship programs, and MLB industry alternative career workshops.”

The Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play features live and silent auctions, which gives fans the opportunity to bid on fabulous live and silent auction items such as trips to see the Rangers play at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Colorado’s Coors Field, and Houston’s Minute Maid Park, private hitting and pitching lessons with current Rangers players, and many other exclusive Rangers experiences.

One of the evening’s highlights is the Rangers’ players competing against each other in a pair of game shows. This year’s competitions saw the return of the very popular Fielders Feud and Minute to Win It.

The Texas Rangers players, coaches, and front office personnel attend the event so guests get unique access to players and management for autographs and to get a picture with a favorite player. Every year guests remark how much they enjoyed the up close and personal interaction with players and coaches.

June 14, 2016June 14, 2016

Experts in Excellence Recognize Experts in Education

It’s the award season we look forward to all year- the annual Teacher of the Year awards. From Allen and Plano to Carroll ISD, the events honoring the districts’ teachers are filled with excitement as teachers gather to congratulate and celebrate their colleagues, and share well wishes with teachers who are retiring.

Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano are proud supporters of the annual awards. To show our appreciation, the Teacher of the Year winners from each district are presented with a new Lexus to enjoy for the summer, tickets to a Texas Rangers game, and passes to the Dallas Arboretum all courtesy of Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Lexus Plano.

Amy Evans and Leslie Elkins are this year’s Carroll ISD Teachers of the Year. The ladies picked out their new summer rides at Park Place Lexus Grapevine. Amy Evans opted for the all-new 2016 Lexus RX 350 and Leslie Elkins went straight for the sporty 2016 Lexus RC.

Matt Woolsey- General Manager Park Place Lexus Grapevine; Amy Evans- Old Union Elementary Teacher of the Year

Matt Woolsey- General Manager Park Place Lexus Grapevine; Leslie Elkins- Carroll Middle School Teacher of the Year

Meanwhile in Plano. Plano Senior High School Math teacher Bryan Yee, fresh off his Teacher of the Year win, arrived to Park Place Lexus Plano with his family on a sunny Friday afternoon, to pick-up his Lexus for the summer. The all-new 2016 Lexus RX 350 was Mr. Yee’s Lexus of choice, a decision that was clearly approved by the “oohs” and “that’s cool, dad” from his two sons once they saw the SUV.

Mr. Yee isn’t the only Plano ISD Teacher of the Year winner. Park Place Lexus Plano was at the awards banquet where Erika Manning of Weatherford Elementary School took home the evening’s top honor.

Allen ISD teachers Jennifer Clements- Spanish teacher at Allen High School and Amanda Perkins- 3rd Grade teacher at Cheatham Elementary are this year’s Allen ISD Teachers of the Year. Jennifer and Amanda didn’t waste any time, they arrived together early Saturday morning to pick up their cars. Little did they know they picked matching cars…silver 2016 Lexus RC 350s.

(L to R) Jennifer Clements- Spanish teacher at Allen High School; Chris Brunner- General Manager Park Place Lexus Plano; Amanda Perkins- 3rd Grade teacher at Cheatham Elementary

The next day, we received the following e-mail from Jennifer Clements: “Thank you Park Place Lexus for the BEST SATURDAY EVER! From the moment I walked in to the dealership and was greeted by Michelle and Chris, I was treated like a Queen! The tour of the dealership revealed a beautiful facility designed specifically for the customers….even bagels, coffee, computer work stations and televisions for your short wait for your car service or car wash! Everyone on staff is so friendly, respectful and genuine! And then the moment, I had been waiting for….laying eyes on my RC 350 for the first time! A gorgeous sports coupe….all mine for the summer! WOW! I am blown away by the smooth drive, comfort, and innovative technology! Jesse explained all the gadgets and bells and whistles to me…making it so much simpler and comfortable to drive! A few fun pictures, some paperwork and goodbyes….and I was off! As I drove off the lot, I was smiling from ear to ear! Free Carwashes, Texas Rangers tickets, Valet Parking, Dallas Arboretum tickets…..THANK YOU PARK PLACE LEXUS FOR LOVING TEACHERS!!!”

Jennifer, Amanda, Bryan, Erika, Amy, and Leslie, we would like to thank YOU and all teachers for the selfless dedication and contribution to the community.

Check back for more as the teachers share their Summer in a Lexus stories and pictures.

May 27, 2016June 9, 2016

Carroll ISD Teachers of the Year to Spend the Summer in a Lexus

As if winning Teacher of the Year isn’t exciting enough, how about spending the summer in a brand new Lexus? Park Place Lexus Grapevine is treating two Teachers of the Year to a fun Summer with a luxurious Lexus to enjoy as well as goodie bag with Rangers tickets and Dallas Arboretum passes among many other items.

This year, Amy Evans from Old Union Elementary & Leslie Elkins of Carroll Middle School are the lucky winners.

(L to R) Matt Woolsey- General Manager Park Place Lexus Grapevine; Amy Evans- Old Union Elementary Teacher of the Year; Leslie Elkins- Carroll Middle School Teacher of the Year

Leslie Elkins- Carroll Middle School Teacher of the Year

Amy Evans- Old Union Elementary Teacher of the Year

Check back for more, as the teachers share their stories and pictures while enjoying their summer in a Lexus.

May 24, 2016May 24, 2016

Allen Teachers of the Year to Spend Summer in a Lexus

It’s the breakfast we look forward to all year- the Allen ISD Superintendent’s Recognition Breakfast honoring the district’s teachers and retirees. Excitement filled the room as teachers from across the district gathered to congratulate and celebrate their colleagues, and share well wishes with the teachers who will retire once the school year comes to a close.

More than a dozen teachers were recognized as teachers of the year at their schools, but there are only two District Teachers of the Year. Jennifer Clements- Spanish teacher at Allen High School and Amanda Perkins- 3rd Grade teacher at Cheatham Elementary are this year’s Allen ISD Teachers of the Year.

(L to R) Amanda Perkins- 3rd Grade teacher at Cheatham Elementary; Chris Brunner- General Manager Park Place Lexus Plano; Jennifer Clements- Spanish teacher at Allen High School

The winners received a variety of gifts, along with the favorite prize amongst teachers year after year- a summer in a Lexus courtesy of Park Place Lexus Plano.

Jennifer and Amanda didn’t waste any time. They arrived together early Saturday morning to pick up their cars. Little did they know they picked matching cars…2016 Lexus RC 350.

Jennifer Clements

Amanda Perkins

Park Place Lexus Plano is proud to support Allen ISD. Each year, two lucky Teacher of the Year winners from each district get to spend a summer in a Lexus, attend a Texas Rangers game, and spend the day at the Dallas Arboretum all courtesy of Park Place Lexus Plano.

Check back for Jennifer and Amanda’s Summer in a Lexus adventures.