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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.

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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!”

 

 

 

 

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Watch List for the 2020 Park Place Pre-Owned Event

Did you know that we have a wide array of Pre-Owned and Certified vehicles in our showrooms and inventory? Introducing the Park Place Pre-Owned event, which is a great way to experience affordable luxury to kick off the new year. With over 1400 Pre-Owned vehicles, including over 700 Certified Pre-Owned models and an array of non-certified Pre-Owned vehicles,  there are plenty of cars and SUVs to choose from.

To help guide you during the Park Place Pre-Owned event, we have highlighted notable models across our dealerships that could very well be the next vehicle in your driveway.

 

Jaguar F-Type & Land Rover Range Rover Sport

If you love responsive handling with a sports car vibe, the Jaguar F-Type offers coupe and convertible options for sale. Whether you enjoy a hard rooftop or want to let the top down during the springtime, drivers will enjoy the experience behind the Jaguar wheel.

The same handling experience can be found with the Range Rover Sport. Whether you are driving around the Dallas tollways during the week or navigating mountainous terrains during vacation, the Range Rover Sport SUV adds more throttle to your commute.

When purchasing the Certified Pre-Owned Jaguar or Land Rover, the CPO warranty covers 7 years from the original in-service date or when your purchase reaches 100,000 total miles, whichever comes first.

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX features modern interior design complemented by swift SUV performance. Ever since the NX debuted with its 2015 year model release, drivers have enjoyed the comfortable seating and adaptable cargo space. When purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned NX, L/Certified warranty offers you four complimentary maintenances for two years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.

McLaren 720S

Available at our Premier Collection, the McLaren 720S is ready for action as soon as you the start engine. The 720S is designed to be an everyday vehicle but also pushes the limits of relentless performance. Those interested Certified Pre-Owned McLarens can enjoy an additional 12 months or up to 12,000 miles of McLaren Qualified warranty.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz meets the needs of drivers who love the comfortability of a luxury SUV paired with the drivability of a compact sedan. Certified Pre-Owned GLCs are available dating back to 2016 models. Any GLC300 comes with an unlimited mileage Certified Pre-Owned warranty for an additional year – with the possibility to extend coverage for two additional years at the time of purchase.

Porsche Macan

As SUV growth continues to climb industry-wide, the Porsche Macan is at the forefront of the SUV revolution. Not to mention, the performance crossover SUV is Porsche’s top-selling vehicle. Since its introductory 2015 model, Macan owners have enjoyed the athletic ride paired with the authentic Porsche styling. Owners who purchase a Porsche Certified Pre-Owned model will also enjoy 2 years of unlimited mileage warranty coverage after the expiration of the new vehicle limited warranty.

Volvo XC90

The top-selling Volvo model concludes the Park Place Pre-Owned Event vehicle watch list. Whether you need additional cargo space for a weekend getaway or daily driver to pick up the kids, the XC90 provides ample room for up to 7 occupants. With additional safety support and cozy comfort, Volvo’s full-size SUV helped the Swedish brand achieve their highest sales volume in 12 years.

With your purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned Volvo, owners will enjoy a 5 year or unlimited-mile warranty coverage from the original in-service date of the car. Additional warranty coverage can also be purchased up to a total of 10 years and unlimited miles at the time of purchase.

If you are in the market to upgrade your vehicle during the Park Place Pre-Owned Event, please visit parkplace.com to find your favorite Pre-Owned options.

 

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A ‘Your Park Place’ Guide to the Mercedes-Benz Sedan Line-Up

Have you ever gone shopping and were overwhelmed with options? Many people feel that way when it comes time to shop for their next vehicle. From make, model, and trims, it can be difficult to narrow down your dream car to just one car. Follow along as we look into what makes Mercedes-Benz models differ from one another- and maybe we can help you as you finish up your holiday shopping!

Before diving into these models, we must explain the difference between a coupe, sedan, and wagon.

  • A coupe is traditionally a 2 door vehicle with a fixed top and sloping roofline.
  • A sedan is a standard 4 door vehicle with a fixed top.
  • A wagon is also a 4 door vehicle with more cargo room than a sedan.

The Rookie of the Year: A-Class

A new member was added to the Mercedes-Benz sedan roster this calendar year. The 2019 A-Class is a wonderful introduction for anyone new to the luxury vehicle market. If you’re a tech-savvy professional, the A-Class comes with a variety of functions to make your drive easier. The A-Class became the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system.

MBUX uses customizable intuitive speech recognition that learns you on the fly as you recite voice commands. If you’re looking for the coffee before work, ask your MBUX assistant for the nearest Starbucks location. The system can also be controlled via the steering wheel, touchpad, or touch screen. If you are looking to join the luxury sedan market for the first time, the A220 sedan is a great start to your career.

The Class Favorite: C-Class

A popular choice for entry-level sedan lovers who are new or currently in the luxury market is the C-Class. Even as SUV sales continue to rise, the C-Class was the highest volume Mercedes-Benz model sold in 2018. Many factors play into the continued popularity of the C-Class especially the peppy performance.

C-Class drivers will love is how shifty the car moves. Whether you are in the city or highway, the C-Class also provides a variety of driving styles to keep you intrigued. The ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport + drive modes were boosted last year by the horsepower increase from 241 HP to 255 HP. From an early morning commute to work or late-night trip to dinner, the C-Class is versatile enough to adapt to your driving demands.

The Superstar: E-Class

If safety is your top purchase requirement, the E-Class is the sedan for you. The 2019 E-Class was a Top Safety Pick+ by the International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The safety recognition identifies good or advanced ratings in vehicle and accident protection (C-Class, GLC and GLE models also received the IIHS recognition). When you are driving in rush hour traffic, PRE-SAFE technologies with blind-spot assist are available to E-Class drivers that support your vehicle and your occupants during potential driving dangers.

The Jack of All Trades: S-Class

A sedan that changes from a super sports car to a luxury locomotive, the S-Class is the pinnacle of exclusive luxury vehicles. All technology, performance, and safety with the A, C, and E-Class models is enhanced for S-Class owners. But imagine having all of that, but still need a pick me up after work. Well, the S-Class provides that energy for you with the Energizing Comfort Control. When you need motivation, the large Mercedes sedan can improve your wellness as it matches the climate controls, music, seating temperature with massage programs. Enjoy a big mood with the purchase of Mercedes’ big sedan.

Stay tuned as we follow up with Mercedes-Benz coupe vehicles and future additions to the Mercedes-Benz sedan lineup. If you have interest in a new Mercedes-Benz sedan, view one of the new models available at one of our four Park Place Motorcars locations in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and Grapevine.

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Park Place Dealerships Kicks Off Season of Holiday Giving with Philanthropic Programs

For Every Act of Kindness Shared with Hashtag #giveamazing Lexus will donate $10 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America

The holiday season is a time of increased giving across North Texas and Park Place Dealerships is leading the way for members, clients and the community to give back to help those who may need it. Organizations Park Place will be supporting during this season include Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club of America, Community Partners of Dallas, Arlington ISD, and Toys for Tots.

“We care about our community and are glad to provide support to those in need,” said Dave Evans, chief marketing officer for Park Place Dealerships. “There are many families who struggle throughout the year and our members continually look for opportunities to help others. During this holiday season, we are partnering with various charities and we have made it easy for the community to join these efforts.”

Give Back with Park Place 

Park Place Lexus stores in Grapevine and Plano are participating in the Lexus Give Amazing program, which kicks off November 22. Lexus is simply asking people to share acts of kindness on social media with the hashtag #giveamazing. For each submission using the hashtag, Lexus will donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America up to a total donation of $100,000.

Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Park Place Porsche Dallas are participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Clients and members can pick an angel off the tree at the Lemmon Avenue dealerships. The angel tags are printed with a child’s name, age and gift ideas from their wish list. Participants purchase gifts and return them to the dealerships by the deadline on the tag. Park Place members will deliver the gifts to one of the 11 Salvation Army Distribution centers for delivery to a family. 

Park Place Motorcars Arlington is collecting new and gently used coats, jackets and shoes for students in Arlington ISD, where approximately 64,000 students (70% of students) are identified as “low socio-economic.”

Park Place Dealerships’ corporate office, located in Las Colinas, also will be collecting toys for distribution for the Community Partners of Dallas. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the front desk at 350 Phelps Drive in Irving.

Porsche Grapevine is collecting non-perishable food throughout November to donate to a local food bank and will be collecting Toys for Tots thru December 9th. Park Place Motorcars Grapevine is donating food for GRACE for Thanksgiving dinner and participating in Toys for Tots thru Dec. 13.

All of these efforts are part of the Park Place Cares program, which encourages Park Place’s 2,100 members to volunteer their time and resources to serve the community in which they live and work. The community can support any of these initiatives by donating toys, food, or sharing their act of kindness on social media with the hashtag #giveamazing. 

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships 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.

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New Mercedes-Maybach GLS Announced

A pleasant surprise for spacious sedan lovers and luxury SUV drivers, Mercedes-Benz has announced the addition of the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC.

Imagine the body and technical savviness of the GLS with the exclusive ambiance and spacious interior of a Mercedes-Maybach.

Following a successful year in sales for the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, customers should expect nothing less with the SUV counterpart.

“Our customers normally own several different vehicles – and if they drive an SUV, we want them to drive a Mercedes-Maybach that offers them the luxury they expect from the brand,” said Martin Hülder, Head of Product Management Mercedes-Maybach. “In 2018 more Mercedes-Maybach S-Class cars were sold than ever before: one in seven S-Class models sold was a Maybach.”

Thanks to continued growth in SUVs, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4MATIC welcomes drivers looking for an elevated experience.

“The SUV vehicle concept has a major advantage for the luxury segment: the high seating position,” Hülder said. “The raised position gives the occupants a different perspective of the surroundings, and many Mercedes-Maybach customers greatly appreciate this. Incidentally, a raised seating position is nothing new in the luxury segment: the grand luxury sedans of the 1930s, such as the Maybach Zeppelin, had a similar seating height for the driver and passengers, and very similar proportions.”

Clients can also expect Mercedes-Maybach subtleties designed specifically for the GLS600 SUV. If you see a Mercedes ornament on the hood of an SUV, it can only be a Mercedes-Maybach GLS600. If you need to take a nap following a long business meeting, the rear seats of the GLS600 will allow you to recline and relax.

From customizable Maybach fragrances to a dedicated Maybach drive program, drivers and passengers should all appreciate the bespoke like experience that comes with the GLS600 4MATIC. As the luxury SUV market continues to progress, the GLS600 4MATIC will definitely set itself apart from the competition.

“The brand experience goes well beyond the vehicle itself and the available services. The brand rounds off the lifestyle of its customers with various accessories,” Hülder said. “The licensing partner Maybach – Icons of Luxury produces exclusive collections accompanying the brand, and individual accessories that perfectly complement the individual models–for example travel bags, sunglasses, leatherwear and home accessories.”

For more information on how you can begin the Mercedes-Maybach SUV experience, please contact your local Park Place Motorcars dealerships today.

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GLS, GLC, GLA, and GLE- Oh My: the Mercedes-Benz SUV Line-Up Explained

Mercedes-Benz SUVs are Ready for Primetime and Park Place is here to help explain what all your options may be- including a preview of the brand-new GLB hitting the showrooms later this season.

As families continue to grow and experiences continue to evolve, SUV popularity continues to rise. There may be many questions you have about SUVs that other shoppers have as well.

What SUV provides ample legroom for my children? Which SUV can I pack as much traveling equipment for my next family adventure? What dream SUV can I afford for myself? Well, Park Place can help simplify your purchasing decision by sharing everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup.

The Minimalist: 2020 GLA

Does your child need a car to return back to school after the holiday break? Are you a recent college graduate who is ready for an upgrade? Well, the Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is a perfect gift. Have you ever bought a car and realized, “Wow, I really didn’t need all that space after all.” You won’t get that feeling when buying the GLA. In a great way, the GLA is the studio apartment of SUVs. The GLA has enough space for one with room for visitors and offers minimal costs of ownership with proper maintenance. The GLA’s compact simplicity sets this vehicle apart from many entry-level vehicles.

And don’t worry about your college kid driving their sorority sisters to campus. Front-seat occupants will sit fairly comfortable with a maximum of two additional spots for rear-seat passengers. If GLA drivers travel without passengers, one can fold down the rear seats and appreciate about 43 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s enough space for two weeks of groceries! Any driver of this model will appreciate the fuel efficiency, with an estimated 24 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and up to 34 MPG on the highway.

Models available: GLA250

The Career Climber: 2020 GLC

You’ve been at your job for a few years and are starting to get recognized for your success. For anyone looking for a vehicle to match their career climb, the GLC should strongly be considered. The back-to-back #1 ranked Luxury Compact SUV by U.S. News, the GLC has a sleek interior cabin including a variety of modern tech features. Drivers will enjoy a four-cylinder engine with a 9-speed transmission that offers a smooth, fuel-efficient ride during your work commute. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also allow you to text friends using handsfree Smartphone Integration your way to happy hour.

Models available: GLC300, AMG GLC43, AMG GLC63

The Game Changer: 2020 GLE

Now you are managing professionals at work and your kids at home. You need an SUV that exudes your inner style. The SUV you can take co-workers to lunch during the day and the family to dinner during the evening is the GLE350.

A full redesign of the luxury midsize SUV formerly known as the ML, has already drawn rave reviews from U.S. News (#1 in Luxury Midsize SUVs). We even previewed back in April that the GLE was going to be a game-changer. Consumers have loved the exquisite exterior design adding swagger to their driveways. The MBUX infotainment has made engaging with your car a fun experience that introduces touchscreen and voice interaction. The GLE interior comfort will have you wishing you had a driver to chauffeur you and your passengers (there’s even an option for a third row!).

Models available: GLE350, GLE450, AMG GLE63

The Next Top Model: 2020 GLS

For the first time in seven years, the 2020 GLS (formerly known as the GL) saw a full makeover. The last time the full-size SUV had a full makeover, MotorTrend named the vehicle the SUV of the Year. Good things tend to repeat themselves and the GLS does that with various exterior and interior upgrades. A huge and anticipated enhancement to the GLS are the second-row captain’s chairs. The standard three-row Mercedes-Benz SUV adds additional legroom for rear-seat passengers to relax and enjoy the ride. The ride itself features a powerful drive with a calm persona that adjusts to various road conditions. An exterior makeover provides a beautiful touch for an SUV that’s rugged enough to have a towing capacity up to 7,700 pounds.

Models available: GLS450

The Legend: 2019 G-Wagon

Even the timeless G-Wagon revealed all-new vibes with the 2019 model release. New enhancements are found with the cool cockpit displays to the elaborate exterior finishes. Every G-Wagon retains its iconic shape with chiseled strength protecting all occupants. Whether you are roaming the wild or cruising in the city, the G-Wagon is still an attention grabber and will be for decades to come.

Models available: G550

 

SUV Variants Explained:

Also, keep in mind these variances as your shopping for your Mercedes SUV:

  • 4MATIC: any model with the 4MATIC designation is an all-wheel-drive vehicle. When you consider a 4MATIC vehicle, think of all 4 wheels working together to make you go.
  • Coupe: If four doors are too many, will two doors work? The GLC and GLE models offer coupe versions if there’s enhanced interest in a sportier version.
  • Mercedes-AMG: any model with AMG in its name boasts higher performance and extra packages, leading to a higher value. The AMG designation is not to be confused with AMG design packages. (no Mercedes-AMG GLA available for 2020 at time of article)

Stay tuned as we continue to reveal all new upgrades and additions to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, including the GLB series. If you have interest in a new Mercedes-Benz SUV, view one the new models available at one of our four Park Place Motorcars locations in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and Grapevine.

 

 

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Park Place Drives Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum Through October 31st

Park Place Dealerships is the official automotive sponsor of the 14th annual Autumn at the Arboretum. The festival opened September 21 and runs through October 31.

With the theme, “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” the Dallas Arboretum’s fall festival features ‘Great Pumpkin’ topiary characters such as Linus, Sally and Franklin looking through the pumpkin patch, as well as Snoopy and Woodstock on top of his dog house. Of course, mixed amongst these Fall character staples are some luxury cars from Park Place Dealerships on display around the pathways of the Arboretum.

Park Place Volvo Featured at Autumn in the Arboretum
Park Place Motorcars Dallas Featured at Autumn in the Arboretum

“Park Place Dealerships is honored to continue our 10-year partnership with the Dallas Arboretum,” said Park Place Dealerships CEO Neil Grossman. “You know it’s fall in Dallas when the Dallas Arboretum’s annual fall festival opens.”

Guests can snap selfies with Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, and Marcie behind the iconic brick wall. Or get lost with Pig Pen in the hay bale maze. Catch the Peanuts Gang at their gourd decorated schoolhouse for the annual autumn carnival. Named one of “The Best Pumpkin Festivals to Visit This Fall,” by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, Autumn at the Arboretum features breathtaking fall colors.

“Known for amazing and creative displays, our 50-member horticulture team creates an awesome Pumpkin Village display where more than 250,000 people visit during Autumn at the Arboretum,” said Alan Walne, Dallas Arboretum’s board chairman. “They experience the garden in its fall glory, walk in the pumpkin houses, and enjoy the programming throughout the garden.”

This year’s festival features 150,000 fall-blooming flowers and plants; 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash; 3,000 ears of corn; and 1,500 corn stalks in the Pumpkin Village. Also 900 bales of hay mixed with 24 types of pumpkin; 17 squash types and seven gourd types.

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, Karma, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

Park Place Maserati Dallas featured at Autumn in the Arboretum
Park Place Porsche Dallas featured at Autumn in the Arboretum
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Mercedes-AMG Track Fans Anticipating Exclusive GT Model

Sports car aficionados and automotive media types alike have been falling all over themselves with praise for the Mercedes-AMG GT family. And for good reason.  

First, there’s the lineup’s superb, no-nonsense precision performance. Then there’s the sleek, muscular architecture that makes the cars seem to quiver just while standing still. Put those va-va-voom looks and vroom-vroom delivery together and voila! A one-two punch of epic proportions. 

And now, for 2020, comes the latest iteration of their fire-breathing, mind-blowing flagship: the AMG GT R PRO.

The PRO’s snarling AMG V-8 (585 hp, 516 lb-ft of torque) and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission are unchanged (and shared with the less-fierce but still formidable GT R). The PRO, however, features tuning revisions translated from AMG’s GT3 and GT4 race cars, an adjustable coil-over suspension and tweaks to both the gearbox and limited-slip differential. Aerodynamic carbon fiber enhancements like front fender vents (or “gills”), an adjustable front axle sway bar and a fixed rear spoiler, all contribute to improved downforce and a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.5 seconds.

These enhancements helped AMG GT3 racing driver Maro Engel swoop the 2020 PRO around Germany’s famed Nürburgring North Loop in exactly 7.04.632 minutes – six seconds better than the previous PRO. In track time, that’s an eternity.

And even if you’re not a track rat, who can resist that race-inspired paint job of Gloss Light Green and Selenite Grey Magno?

The PRO is a purpose-built vehicle in that it’s designed primarily for track performance. As such, production is limited to just 750 units globally, with about 150 aimed at the U.S. market. For those lucky enough to snag a PRO, the rewards will be exclusivity, staggering performance and impressive leaderboard track stats.

Pricing starts at $199,650 with delivery expected in late 2019. Did you know that Park Place Motorcars is certified AMG Performance Center? Visit our showroom to experience AMG customization and performance for yourself.