Black Heart Association Offering Free Screenings In Arlington And Grapevine During American Heart Month

The Black Heart Association will host free heart health screenings to the community during February’s Heart Month in Arlington and Grapevine.  

On Thursday, February 8,the Black Heart Mobile Unit will be at Park Place Lexus Grapevine located at 901 E. State Hwy 114 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on Thursday, February 29 and Park Place Motorcars Arlington, 4201 Beltway Place from 10 a.m. –2 p.m.No appointment is needed for the screenings and is open to the public.

After suffering three heart attacks in one week, Tara Robinson, along with her husband Frederick, founded Black Heart Association in 2014 to fight for the thousands of minority men, women and children who experience the impact of heart disease or stroke each year.

In 2022, Park Place Cares, the philanthropic arm of Park Place Dealerships, recognized the work of Black Heart Association with a $5,000 Season of Giving grant to provide heart health education and screenings through its Mobile Heart Health Unit to patients who are primarily uninsured. Upon learning the organization also had maintenance needs for the Black Heart Mobile Unit, Park Place Dealerships has been providing experienced technicians to assist with keeping the mobile unit on the road serving the community.

“This is a wonderful nonprofit that provides an incredible service at no expense to the community,” said Kara Connor, Park Place Dealership’s Experiential Marketing Manager. “We are continuing our partnership with Black Heart Association by hosting the mobile unit at two of our dealerships so the community has access to free heart health screenings along with telehealth services. We hope the community will utilize this opportunity in the location that is convenient to them.”

Through Park Place Cares, the automotive company has donated $300,000 in grants during the Season of Giving program over the past three years to 65 nonprofits and finds opportunities for Park Place Members to volunteer throughout the year with the grant recipients.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. 

Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates eight full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Acura, and Land Rover. Park Place Bodywerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth and Dallas, and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Cam Mayfield Promoted to GM of Park Place Motorcars Arlington

Cam Mayfield was recently promoted to general manager of Park Place Motorcars Arlington.

“Our strong commitment to serve is our competitive advantage,” says Mayfield. “We cater to our client’s every need with a servant’s heart.  When you see someone take delivery of their Mercedes, it should give you goosebumps.”

Mayfield has more than 30 years of automotive experience. In 2003, he joined Park Place Lexus as service director. He also served as service director and fixed operations director at Park Place Motorcars Dallas. Last year, he graduated from the North American Dealer Association’s GM Academy.

“Cam has always been a valuable asset to Park Place,” said Tony Carimi, Park Place Dealership’s Managing Director. “He is passionate about the experience and a transformative leader. I’m proud to see him take the helm in Arlington.”

Former Park Place Motorcars Arlington GM Malcolm Gage was recently promoted to Market Manager at Plaza Motors in St. Louis by Asbury Automotive Group, which owns Park Place and Plaza Motors.

A native Texan, Mayfield was born and raised in Dallas. He graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in English and still lives in Dallas with Katie, his wife of more than 20 years.


Park Place Motorcars Arlington is located at 4201 Beltway Place off I-20 in Arlington. The Mercedes-Benz dealership has won the “Best of the Best” award multiple times since opening in 2015. This prestigious award honors the top 20 percent of 345 Mercedes-Benz dealers nationwide for outstanding sales, service and customer satisfaction. 

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Nolan Bedford is TCU Purple Through and Through

TCU Alum and Super Fan Experienced CFP Championship with Son

A TCU alum and former football player, Bedford invited Park Place client DJ de Jesus, president of the Fort Worth – Mercedes-Benz Club of America. Bedford also invited his 20-year-old son Reece Bedford, a U.S. Marine stationed at Miramar Air Station in San Diego.

“I flew to San Diego to meet up with Reece and we drove up to LA together to go to the game,” said Bedford. “My son has grown up as a fan of TCU. We went to Nebraska to watch TCU in the College World Series back in 2016. The last TCU Bowl game we attended together was the Alamo Bowl in 2017 when they defeated Stanford. I was extremely excited to go to California to support my Frogs, but even more excited to have time to spend with my son. We have always bonded over our love for TCU and I’m sure we always will. Go Frogs!”

Bedford was born in Fort Worth, then moved all around Texas before ending up back in Fort Worth. He played football at L.D. Bell High School in Bedford, Texas, where he graduated in 1995. He was a quarterback at Bell and moved to wide receiver at TCU, where he walked on to play for the Frogs in 1997 – 98.

“My roommate at TCU also graduated from Bell,” he explained. “Eric Anderson was strong safety and one of the best players on the TCU team. It was our senior year and Eric was projected to be selected in the NFL draft after our season. One day in practice he was rushing the quarterback when he jumped up to deflect a pass. The running back blocked him, flipping him over, and Eric landed on his head. They took him to the hospital for x-rays, put him in a neck brace, and sent him home. I was with him at our apartment when he received the call from the doctor. I will never forget the look in his eyes when they said he would never play football again. He had surgery and had to wear a halo for the next six months. He didn’t have any local family, so I helped care for him.”

While the Georgia and TCU National Championship game didn’t exactly turn out the way TCU fans had hoped, Bedford enjoyed the trip and the game very much.

“I was very proud to see the turnout of TCU fans at the game,” he said. “There was just as much purple in the stands as there was red, if not more! It was exciting to see the support TCU fans brought and how loud they were to support our team.”

“In addition to Reece, I have a daughter Kenidi who is 19, and a two-month-old daughter Charlotte Sophia. Being a father has been so great that I decided to give it another run with my wife Lucina.”

Nolan joined Park Place Dealerships in 2008. He became New Car Sales Director at Motorcars Fort Worth in 2019. Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth is located at 5601 Bryant Irvin Road, just south of I-20.

Nolan and Eric are still best friends. “Eric was actually just here at the dealership getting his Mercedes-Benz CLS serviced earlier this week.”


Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates eight full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Acura, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth and Dallas, and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Park Place for Preemies

The morning after he quit a sales job he loathed, George Johnson had a problem: he was 21, unemployed and still living at home. He needed to find a new job quickly. Luckily for George, a friend of his had just started at a local car dealership.

Meredyth Haller, of Cook Children’s Hospital and George Johnson, Genera Managers of Park Place Motorcars of Fort Worth, stand in front of the hospital in Fort Worth Texas, Friday, September 11, 2020. (Michael Ainsworth)

“I took a job selling cars until I could find a real job,” said George. Now, 38 years later, George oversees Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth as the executive general manager.

“I was always passionate about cars, but never realized how much so,” said George, when he recalled how his temporary gig turned into a career. “I think I really fell in love with connection with the client. I still remember the first person I sold a car to. She was so joyful and I felt such a connection after sharing this exciting moment in her life. I was hooked.”

This past year, many nonprofits in our community had to reimagine in-person fundraising events due to the pandemic. That included the annual Pickin’ for Preemies benefiting Cook Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With the move to a virtual event, we weren’t sure if we’d receive the same level of community support, but Park Place Motor Cars Fort Worth stepped up and generously chose to sponsor the online silent auction.

The Pickin’ for Preemies family was elated. Plus, it was a meaningful decision for George.

Years ago, when George and his wife Cathy were living in Northern California, they had their own experience in a NICU. Their youngest son Dylan was born two months early, weighing just 3 pounds and 11 ounces.

“You know, you just go into survival mode at that point,” said George. “What we were so impressed with was all the nurses and doctors in that NICU. They must be highly trained on how to handle parents. You have to keep the parents in the game.”

Dylan spent six weeks in the NICU before being sent home with his loving parents, and the experience left a mark on George and Cathy. George and Park Place supported Cook Children’s through contributions to Jewel Charity for eight years, making donations totaling half a million dollars, and Cathy spent time volunteering in the NICU as a baby rocker. When George heard about Pickin’ for Preemies, he saw a way for Park Place to directly help NICU families.

“I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Cook Children’s because of what they do for children, especially with preemies, so when I saw that, it just kind of hit me over the head,” said George.

Without the support of corporate sponsors like Park Place and passionate leaders like George, Cook Children’s simply wouldn’t be the incredible place that it is today.

Story Provided by Cook’s Children’s.

Dallas Mercedes-Benz Team Wins National Competition, Places in Top 15 Worldwide

DALLAS (May 19, 2021) – Park Place Motorcars Dallas recently was crowned the best Customer Experience team in the country during the Mercedes-Benz Global Customer Experience Challenge. The team included Motorcars Dallas team members Darren Densman, centralized diagnostic technician of Kaufman, Texas; Brian Johnson, sales experience manager, of Dallas; Alfonso McClurg, master technician, of Dallas; C.J. Harper, service manager, of Heartland Texas; Matt Overs, Shop Foreman, of Mesquite; and Erik Bohdan, sales experience manager, of Dallas.

Mercedes-Benz teams from across the country competed online in various quests focused on connectivity. By proving their expertise, the Motorcars Dallas team finished first to win the National Championship. The Park Place Motorcars Dallas team then went on to place 14th worldwide out of 889 teams and 4,830 participants from 25 countries in the Global competition.

“This is a tremendous honor for our team,” said Tony Carimi, managing director of Park Place Dealerships. “As an organization, Mercedes-Benz is known as ‘The Best of the Best.’ It certainly applies to this talented group of professionals who are committed to working together and delivering only the best for our clients.”

Mercedes-Benz USA recognizes only the top 22 percent of its dealerships with the Best of the Best Award. That means only one out of five dealerships receive this esteemed award. Park Place Motorcars Dallas has been awarded this prestigious honor more than a dozen times.

Park Place Motorcars Dallas, located at 6113 Lemmon Avenue near Love Field Airport, has 350 members; more than 50 who have been with Park Place for more than a decade; 40 have 15 – 20 years tenure; 16 have 20 – 30 years; nine have served 30 or more years, and two people more than 40 years. 

“I’m very proud of our team,” said Park Place Motorcars Dallas General Manager Robert Morris. “This achievement is about our members, and what they do every day to earn trust through honesty and hard work. Our team continues to find innovative ways to deliver an outstanding client ownership experience.”

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987. For the past 34 years, the company has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy and education. Park Place Dealerships employs more than 1,400 members and operates eight full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Impresses with a Fresh New Style on the 2021 Model

When the Mercedes-Benz GLA was initially released in 2014, the subcompact model was introduced as the SUV sibling of the CLA (the Mercedes-Benz subcompact 4-door coupe). Many GLA drivers also noticed the interior was similar to the now-extinct SUV GLK350 (a model that was last available for new retail in 2015). Thanks to a beautiful exterior makeover, modern interior technologies, and enhanced Mercedes-Benz performance, the new 2021 GLA is out to prove it has a personality of its own.


Rejuvenated Interior Leads GLA Refresh

A slew of new changes is apparent once you enter the new GLA. A standard dual, digital dashboard, which is also available inside most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, finally makes an appearance in the 2021 GLAs. The new, high energy screens replace the analog instrument cluster and pop-up 7-inch monitor that left owners wanting more.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment interface will also be a welcomed sight for 2021 GLA drivers. Voice command prompts to speak with your Mercedes-Benz gives hands-free driving a contemporary experience. The air vents also feature an aviation-style design that provides a cock-pit vibe to the GLA front row.

Our top interior upgrades available with the 2021 GLA include the Premium Package including larger 10-inch displays and a 64-color ambient lighting option that adds some pizazz to your daily drive.

New GLA Showcases Smooth Stance

A big takeaway from our GLA first impressions is how smooth the exterior angles are. When walking up to the 2021 subcompact SUV, you’ll be amazed at how much the profile mirrors other modern, Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Previously, the GLA stood out for its deep side indentions and round curves.

This second-generation does a wonderful job of introducing a subtle side profile with a modern athletic stance.

Not only is the GLA 3.5 inches taller than the previous model, it also sits higher than the CLA and A-Class (the Mercedes-Benz premium compact sedan). Also, a driver can anticipate slight increases to the wheelbase and width vehicle that also gives rear passengers some additional room than previous GLA models.

For those who may be torn between the size and styling profile of the A-Class sedan and GLC SUV, a 2021 GLA is the perfect selection.

Other Notable GLA Details

Drivers should also notice a few more 2021 GLA details:

  • A shiftier experience thanks to a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
  • More passenger control with new adjustable rear seats
  • Additional pedal to the medal with 221 horsepower (HP) an increase from 208 HP with the previous generation
  • Front-wheel drive is the standard for GLA models, however, finding a GLA 4MATIC variant will give you all-wheel-drive control.
  • Great fuel efficiency from the 2.0L, 4 cylinder engine with an estimated 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG highway fuel economy

Given the Mercedes-Benz track record for next-generation upgrades, we would not be surprised to see the 2021 GLA become one of the best re-models in the automotive industry. For more details on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA and potential Mercedes-AMG GLA, contact Park Place Motorcars today.

New 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4 Door Coupe Provides New Level of AMG Accessibility

New in the U.S. for model year 2021, the AMG GT 43 4-Door Coupe, starting at $89,900*, further expands the AMG GT family, combining AMG-developed dynamics with everyday usability, seating for four and a more accessible point of entry.


Striking to look at and a powerful drive, the newest AMG GT 43 is being offered at a starting price point to ad dan additional (more accessible) entry point to the Mercedes-AMG family.

Starting at $89,900

The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is powered by an efficient and intelligent 3.0 liter inline-6 turbo engine, for 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. For an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the 2021 variant is equipped with an EQ Boost System. 

It’s a perfect example of AMG’s compelling driving experience mixed with everyday usability, sporting the key highlights of AMG’s top-tier GT 4-door coupe models like light-weight construction, 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive with variable torque distribution, and the distinctive AMG exterior/interior design and aesthetic. 

Available Late 2020

The AMG GT 4-door is the third model to be developed directly by Mercedes-AMG, following the 2-door GT and SLS AMG. This new model sports the same high level of standard equipment found in the AMG GT 53, including:

  • AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-Speed Transmission
  • AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes
  • AMG Ride Control Sport Suspenson 
  • Silver painted 6-piston front brake calipers
  • Burmester surround sound system
  • electronically deployable rear spoiler
  • MBUX infotainment system (newly standard for ’21 AMG GT 4-door models)

There are a variety of customizations available, so you can easily configure and individualize the new AMG GT 43 to fit your needs with familiar AMG options and packages.  For example, there is a variety of interior configurations such as the standard two-place individual rear-seats or the optional executive rear-seat package, numerous wheel options, and the incomparable Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System.

And yes, even with all of this the new AMG GT 43 4-Door variant has ample space for up to four passengers.  Can you say Road Trip ready? Contact one of our four Park Place Motorcars locations for more information on your Mercedes-AMG GT options.


CONTACT PARK PLACE MOTORCARS

Fort Worth

Grapevine

Dallas

Arlington 

Member Spotlight: Dreams Changed for Malcolm Gage as Doors Opened for New Opportunities

Malcolm Gage Enrolled in Pre-Med Courses at SMU until a Part-Time Job Led Him Down a Different Road

Malcolm R. Gage Jr., current General Manager at Park Place Motorcars Arlington, never envisioned a career in the automotive industry. In fact, he was in a Pre-Med program at Southern Methodist University in 1997 when his college roommate suggested he could get Malcolm a job at a Lewisville Ford dealership during his college break.

“My friend thought my quick wit and personality would be a good fit,” recalled Gage. “Reluctantly, I took his advice, and they hired me the same day I interviewed. I fell in love with the job, and changed my focus to a career in the automotive industry. Now, 23 years later, I know it was the right decision.”

A Journey to Automotive

In 2005, Gage joined Park Place Dealerships as New Car Sales Manager at Park Place Motorcars Bedford, which is now located in Grapevine. Gage quickly rose up the ranks at Park Place, where he spent the past five years as New Car Sales Director at the Park Place Premier Collection in Dallas, representing luxury brands Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maserati, and McLaren. He was recently named General Manager at Park Place Motorcars Arlington.

“The automotive business is unlike any other,” said Gage. “I’ve made some amazing contacts, and it’s given me opportunities I never could’ve imagined. Having the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art facilities with world-class brands, and interacting with professionals of the highest caliber, one cannot put a value on that. I consider myself blessed to have reached this point, but I credit a lot of mentors and managers that have supported me and given me guidance to reach this point.”

Rolls-Royce Sales Manager of the Year, Coach of the Year, and SMU Alum

Some of his greatest accomplishments are being named Coach of the Year from two different Park Place dealerships, and being part of teams that were recognized as Dealerships of the Year, both nationally and internationally. Gage was also named the first-ever Rolls-Royce Sales Manager of the Year by Rolls-Royce Motorcars North America.

“As leaders of this organization, we try to predict future trends based on metrics and the past,” explained Gage. “But there are so many external factors that can affect it at any moment. Hiring and retaining the best talent is a challenge, but we pride ourselves on our industry-leading retention rates. I think the biggest challenge is probably the pressure we put on ourselves to exceed expectations.”

Gage graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, and he is still involved with the SMU Alumni Association. He is an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Lifetime Member, and he volunteers with Equality Texas, the Human Rights Campaign, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and several other organizations.

“I’m involved with these organizations to give back to the Dallas/Fort Worth community that has given so much to me. Much of my success in this industry has been from networking and forming relationships with business and civic leaders in the area. I’ve always believed in dedicating time to serve others.”

Featured on the Food Network, Too!

Food Network fans may remember Malcolm Gage and Ophelia’s New Soul co-owner Cordey Lash as winners of the acclaimed TV show’s Food Court Wars. Formerly located in Plano’s Collin Creek Mall Food Court, Ophelia’s New Soul launched in 2014 and specialized in modern interpretations of classic soul food dishes served in a fast, yet relaxed, atmosphere.

“We have been approached by fans of the restaurant asking if we were going to open a new location,” Gage explains. “But I think my time in the restaurant industry has passed. We achieved great success and national recognition with Ophelia’s New Soul, and it allowed us to create a franchising plan for someone who might want to continue the brand. Who knows what the future holds? It’s still a treat to see the episode on Food Network at times.”


Park Place Motorcars Arlington is located at 4201 Beltway Place off I-20 at S. Center Street. Founded in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn in Dallas, Park Place Dealerships also represents luxury brands Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maserati, McLaren, Koenigsegg, Lexus, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

 

Park Place Dealerships Recognized for Outstanding Operations and Service

2019 was quite the year across Park Place’s Dallas-Fort Worth Locations. Congratulations to all of our teams for these awards:

Park Place Motorcars 

Park Place Motorcars Dallas has won the Mercedes-Benz 2019 “Best of the Best” Gold Laurel award, representing the pinnacle of achievement and the absolute best of what the Mercedes-Benz brand has to offer. This is the 13th win for Dallas. Only 52 Mercedes-Benz dealerships out of 384 nationwide received this prestigious distinction.

“All of our dealerships are dedicated to creating exceptional client experiences each and every day,” said Park Place Dealerships CEO Neil Grossman. “It’s especially rewarding when that hard work is recognized nationally bu the luxury brands we represent.”

Park Place Motorcars Grapevine and Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth both won the Mercedes-Benz 2019 “Best of the Best” Silver Laurel award, which acknowledges dealers for their outstanding achievements throughout the year. Only 88 dealers out of the 384 Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide have earned this lofty designation. This is the fifth win for Grapevine and the ninth for Fort Worth.

Managers at Park Place Mercedes in Grapevine, Monday, Feb. 3, 2020. (Michael Ainsworth)

Managers at Park Place Mercedes in Fort Worth, Monday, Feb. 3, 2020. (Michael Ainsworth)

Both Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Fort Worth dealerships also won the 2019 “Mercedes Benz Financial Valued Partner Award,” the equivalent of “Best of the Best” for Finance.

Park Place BodyWerks 

Park Place BodyWerks Grapevine won the 2019 Lexus Collision Center of the Year designation,” added Grossman. “They are the first such facility to ever win the award back-to-back. They also won the award in 2018.”

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW received two of the highest honors a Jaguar Land Rover dealership can receive: the 2019 “Pride of Jaguar” award and the Land Rover “Pinnacle” award. Both awards are notable for their exclusive designations as “Lyons Elite” and “Wilks Elite,” signifying sales and service leadership in the “Largest Dealer” category. This is Jaguar Land Rover DFW’s ninth “Pride” award and first “Pinnacle” award. JLR North America CEO Joe Eberhardt personally congratulated the dealership on their outstanding achievement.

In addition, Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine both won the 2019 “Elite of Lexus” award, given to a very select group of dealerships based on customer ratings and a rigorous series of operational and certification requirements. Plano has earned this prestigious award 26 times, while Grapevine has won 19 times. 

Bentley Dallas

Last, but certainly not least, Park Place Premier Collection’s Bentley Dallas was named number one for sales in the Central Region in 2019.

“Park Place is proud of our members for their pursuit of excellence in every area of our operation,” concluded Grossman. “The recognition when the pinnacle of success in such a competitive industry is rewarding. But, more importantly, the dedication to customer service is what makes our clients refer to Park Place as ‘My Place.’”


Founded in 1987, Park Place operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Game Day at the Park Place Auto Auction

An up-close-and-personal look at Park Place’s Auto Auction for area authorized dealers.


It’s 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon at Park Place Auto Auction in Plano, and the non-stop auctioneer chatter over the booming loudspeakers is silent now. The twin driveways are devoid of vehicles, while administrators inside the facility quietly wrap up the mounds of paperwork required to transfer ownership of nearly 200 vehicles.

But a mere two hours prior, the place was a buzzing beehive. Sedans, coupes, convertibles, SUVs, crossovers, pickups, minivans, sportscars and other vehicles of every make and manufacture creep slowly yet continuously along parallel driveways while about 200 potential buyers – independent and franchise dealers alike – raise a hand or give a nod and a wink to convey their bids. The din from fast-talking, sharp-eyed auctioneers is loud and urgent. Enormous wall-mounted monitors display a dizzying blur of vehicles and ever-rising numbers for all to see.

“The whole process is actually well under control,” says Kenny Parmentier, Operations Manager of Park Place Auto Auction. “But to outsiders, it tends to look like complete mayhem,” he adds with a chuckle.

Where Did It All Start?

The idea for getting into the auction business came from Park Place President Jordan Case, who wanted to create a clean, comfortable and well-kept environment where authorized dealers could find an extensive selection of both high-performance luxury cars and top-quality vehicles of all kinds, and engage in an efficient, hassle-free purchasing experience. In short, he wanted the auction business to function with the commitment to excellence that makes Park Place, well, Park Place.

More often than not, he’s on hand to savor the experience, which kicks off every Wednesday at 2 p.m. sharp. From that point, a vehicle is sold every 38 seconds. In the next 90 minutes, about 195 out of about 200 vehicles will have changed hands. And then it’s all over. Until next week, when it all starts again.

Where Do the Cars Come From?

Most of the vehicles come from Park Place pre-owned lots where they’ve been for 65 days, the result of trade-ins on something newer and shinier. Or they’re front-line vehicles that are getting long in the tooth as a new model year looms. The auction gives them all a chance to find new homes – and Park Place more room for more desirable pre-owned vehicles that will hopefully turn faster.

Celebrating its two-year anniversary in February, the Park Place Auto Auction business is run in partnership with America’s Auto Auction, a full-service company catering to dealers in 23 locations across 15 states. They handle all the day-to-day activity – checking vehicles in, taking pictures, and handling collections, payments, and titles.

Parmentier works for them, as does his five-member team.

“We’re running at a 95 percent success rate,” he says. “Once a vehicle is sold, the buyer has 48 hours to complete the sale and move the vehicle off the lot. It’s a fast-paced business and really quite exciting. It’s game day!”

In 2019, the business sold 8,647 vehicles or about 720 a month. Those that don’t sell one week – called “reruns” – go through the line again a week later for another shot at success, and are usually snapped up by eagle-eyed bargain hunters.

That certainly wasn’t the case when a 2019 Rolls-Royce and a 2018 McLaren came down the line.

“We don’t get those rarities all that often,” Parmentier grins, “but when we do, they’re show-stoppers!”