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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.

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Mercedes-Benz Sharing the Passion for Motorcars with Younger Audiences

Earlier this year, we mentioned that Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is continuing their push to empower the amazing women contributors and support a larger audience for women Mercedes owners with entrepreneurial ambitions. Now, the luxury automotive brand is looking to start introducing its vehicle heritage with younger dreamers.

MBUSA and Mattel have joined forces to encourage children – particularly girls – that there are no boundaries with their goals and aspirations.

Mercedes-Benz considers the toy car as a viable option not only for young boys, but young girls as well. Creating an attitude shift at a young age is a potential stepping stone for young girls to appreciate the brand and have a positive outlook on the automotive industry. 

To further their support for gender equality, Mercedes-Benz is giving thousands of girls across the United States a Matchbox replica of the Mercedes-Benz 220SE. The replica model honors driver Ewy Rosqvist, who obliterated Argentinian Grand Prix world records in the vintage Mercedes luxury car. Rosqvist overcame the stereotypes that challenged the ability of women to compete in such competitions.

“Through Ewy’s story, we saw an opportunity to inspire young girls to ‘play outside the box’ and imagine all the different opportunities open to them without the restrictions of traditional stereotypes,” said Mark Aikman, general manager of marketing services for MBUSA. “We realized that these pioneering women from our past could serve as valuable role models for young girls today and have a positive impact on how they see their future. This led us to collaborate with Matchbox to create a tangible reminder for girls that there are no restrictions on their tomorrow.”

Women in the Mercedes-Benz brand have had a history of challenging stereotypes. Bertha Benz recorded the initial long-distance drive of the automobile establishing that the Patent Motorwagen was an acceptable transportation option. Today, She’s Mercedes is an online community support the growth and development of professional Mercedes-Benz women.

Interested in learning more about our four Park Place Mercedes-Benz locations or in pursuing a career in automotive yourself? Visit us at www.ParkPlace.com to learn more.

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Pricing Released for the Next Generation Mercedes-Benz GLS

The largest and most luxurious SUV in the Mercedes-Benz line-up has raised the bar- again. Noted as the S-Class of SUVs the new GLS will come in around a $75,200, and sport the latest in intuitive Mercedes-Benz technology.

Progressive Interior Design

The new GLS includes various seating customizations, including a 6-person option with Captain’s Chairs. Clients also have the choice between a three-seat rear bench seat or two individual seats with armrests in the second row depending on your own wants and needs.  Each seating row is fully electric and adjustable to increase the already generous amount of passenger space. 

The steering wheel is “new generation” with Touch Control Buttons, two grab handles, a widescreen dual 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster, 64-color Ambient Lighting, and a 12.3″ multimedia display.  Past packages including the Premium Package, Lighting Package,  and the Parking Assist package are now standard on the 2020 GLS.

And of course, the MBUX intuitive experience technology with Intelligent Voice Control, Natural Language Understanding, augmented video for navigation,  and the NEW MBUX Interior Assistant which recognizes arm and hand movements to support operating intentions. 

Sophisticated Chassis

The new Intelligent Chassis is the only system of its kind in the market and is another new benchmark for this luxury SUV segment. The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension is paired with the 48-volt technology for outstanding suspension comfort, agile handling, and off-road capability. 

Equipment Highlights- Standard

      • 3.0L Inline-6 turbo engine with EQ Boost for smoother acceleration and increased efficiency
      • 7-seat configuration or 6-seat configuration with Captain’s Chairs
      • LED Intelligent Light System
      • Revolutionary MBUX User Interface with Voice Control and Natural Language Understanding
      • MB Navigation
      • 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster
      • 12.3″ Media Display with Touchscreen
      • Touchpad in center console
      • 64-color ambient lighting and illuminated door sills
      • Heated front seats
      • Active Parking Assist with Surround View
      • Blind Spot Assist
      • PRE-SAFE® Sound and PRE-SAFE® Sound
      • Active Brake Assist
      • Car-to-X Communication
      • 9 USB ports and 115V household outlet
      • Nappa Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel with Touch Control Buttons
      • DYNAMIC SELECT
      • Power tilt/sliding sunroof
      • Wireless Charging
      • Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
      • Burmester Surround Sound System
      • SiriusXM Radio
      • KEYLESS-START and KEYLESS-GO
      • AIRMATIC Suspension
      • 19″ wheels
      • Easy-Pack Tailgate and Load Compartment Cover

Extreme Test Driving of the 2019 GLS:

Imagine what the off-roading capabilities could be in the new 2020 GLS if the outgoing model can handle extreme terrain testing. 

The 2020 GLS is expected to be available in the United States by the end of the year. Stay tuned to your Park Place Motorcars dealership for more info as it’s released.

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A Star in the Room: Consistency with Kirk Franklin

Grammy Award-winning artist Kirk Franklin
celebrates the consistency in music and family

Kirk Franklin was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and was adopted by his 64-year-old Aunt, Gertrude Franklin.

“I had a rough childhood,” says Franklin. “I didn’t know my mother or my father. I had a lot of abandonment issues. So, I got into a lot of trouble and didn’t do well in school. But Gertrude really believed in my musical gifts. So, from the time I was four I would take piano lessons once a week.”

Gertrude paid for his piano lessons by recycling aluminum cans and old newspapers.

“Unfortunately, Gertrude died before she heard any of the music that I recorded. So, she didn’t get a chance to see me get my life together. I kind of live with that ‘chasing the ghost’ type of energy in my life.”

Franklin organized “The Family” in 1992, forming a 17-voice choir with neighborhood friends and associates. Their debut album, “Kirk Franklin & The Family,” was released in 1993. Eventually earning platinum album sales, it spent nearly two years on the Gospel music charts, as well as moving up the R&B and Pop charts.

It was the first gospel music album to sell over a million units.

The group released “Whatcha Lookin’ 4” in 1996, sealing Franklin’s stardom. The album was certified 2X Platinum, and earned Franklin his first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.

Since his debut in 1992, Franklin has received six platinum certifications on his albums, including the 3X Platinum “Gods Property,” which won him a second Grammy for Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album.

Franklin has worked with a variety of artists over the years, including Cheryl “Salt” James of Salt-N-Pepa, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Bono, and TobyMac. The winner of more than 40 Stellar Awards, 16 Dove Awards and 14 GRAMMY Awards, Franklin states, “I really believe it happened because I am a firm believer in the message I preach.”

“One thing about music is that you can’t have a bunch of musicians playing what they want to play,” explained Franklin. “They have to play what the song demands. So, what you don’t want to feel is that everyone is playing different notes, because it’s not a melody… it’s not a nice harmony. And it doesn’t sound good, nor does it feel good. The star in the room is always the song.”

“What I love about Park Place is that the star in the room every time you go is always the client. You can tell that they have been rehearsing, that everybody’s playing the same note.”

“Park Place team members are committed every day to create an ownership experience that can’t be found anywhere else,” explains Dave Evans, Park Place Dealerships Chief Marketing Officer. “Our clients tell us fabulous stories about Park Place members who have gone above and beyond to make their experience memorable. We want people to think of Park Place as My Place.”

“Coming from a past where a lot of things in my childhood were very inconsistent, consistency has been something I have always strived for,” Franklin concludes.

“Park Place is ‘My Place’ because they make me feel like a classic song.”

 

 

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Park Place Partners with Arlington ISD

Park Place Motorcars Arlington General Manager, Terry Powell, recently presented Arlington ISD Assistant Superintendent, Michael Hill, with a check in support of the Arlington ISD Education Foundation.

Education is one of Park Place’s main pillars of giving back and since 2017, the dealership has donated $10,000 to the Arlington ISD Education Foundation. In addition, Park Place Motorcars Arlington’s Circle of Excellence held a coat drive and other initiatives in support of the district.

Located at I-20 and Collins in Arlington, the 91,000-square-foot Mercedes-Benz dealership recently showcased the all-new 2019 A-Class, an entry-level luxury compact for today’s tech-savvy driver. Test drives are available for the A-Class and all other available models at Park Place Motorcars Arlington.

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.

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4 Reasons Why the New 2020 GLE is an SUV ‘Game Changer’

This year Mercedes-Benz has taken on a new level of luxury with game changing technology at class breaking price points. It began with release of the new A-Class with base models coming in around $32,500, and now it’s time to take that new innovative vigor to the world of SUVs. 

Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, states they are “committed to shaping a new era of mobility in which the focus is on the customer.” Introducing the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, equipped with  MBUX Infotainment, elevated interior comfort, efficient performance, and an attractive exterior design. 

So here’s a short walk through, from our own Park Place Mercedes-Benz experts of 4 reasons why this SUV is worth a test drive.

1. GLE Exterior Re-Design

The GLE showcases its attractive new front fascia with striking front headlights with its ultra wide beam of the LED Intelligent Light System projecting the maximum light intensity. A terrific sight at night when leaving the office or dinner party.

As you walkaround the GLE, you will appreciate the dominant presence the mid-size SUV has from the side profile. Illuminated running boards and enhanced wheel options add fresh flavor to the GLE’s character. The rear LED taillights also had additional flare and supportive awareness for drivers.

2. MBUX Infotainment

As soon as one opens the door to a 2020 GLE, you’ll see the dramatic dashboard developments. Two 12.3 inch digital screens dominate the dashboard and invite users to engage with the widescreen technology. The instrumental cluster features two dials with informative Mercedes vehicle alerts and notifications.

The COMAND multimedia screen has now morphed into the MBUX infotainment screen that allows users to engage with a touchscreen monitor. Previous generation GLEs only allowed use of a COMAND controller or touchpad near the center console. Artificial intelligence also crafts the user experience as you can activated the voice recognition by saying, “Hey, Mercedes.”

3. Interior Comfort

A significant development for all occupants is the increase in the GLE’s wheelbase. An additional 3.1 inches have been added to the SUV as rear passengers earn significantly more legroom.

The front passengers are not ignored in the comfort arena thanks to an optional ENERGIZING Comfort system. With amazing blends of lighting, massages, and music available to passengers, one can set the mood on the drive to the gym by yourself or the drive to brunch with your date.

4. Efficient Performance

The 2020 GLE350 sports a new 2.0L Inline-4 cylinder turbo engine improving fuel efficiency and maintaining 255 HP in addition to the 273 lb-ft torque from the previous generation SUV line. Drivers will also enjoy a fluid 9-speed transmission that allows for quicker response times during a daily commute. To enjoy a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine, one would have to purchase a GLE450 that upgrades performance to 367 HP and 369 lb – ft torque.

If you have interest in upgrading from your current SUV model to a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, visit Park Place to view our current demos and stay tuned for more inventory.

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CARROLL EDUCATION FOUNDATION GALA TO BE HELD MAY 18 IN KELLER

Carroll Education Foundation (CEF) has been integral in supplementing funds for teachers and educators to bridge the gap between state funding and the needs of the teachers to provide a quality education to Dragon students. For the past 11 years, Park Place Dealerships has supported CEF and will be the presenting sponsor of the Carroll Education Foundation Gala next month.

With a theme of “A Night with Carroll Superstars,” the CEF Gala will be held Saturday, May 18 at The Bowden in Keller. The CISD Superstar Teachers will be revealed. The event is already 85% sold. More information is available at carrolleducationfoundation.org/annual-gala/

Gary Venner, Robert Hinkle, Kathy Talley, Leighanne Christon and Matt Woolsey at the Carroll Education Foundation reception at Park Place Motorcars in Grapevine, Texas on April 4 2019. (Michael Ainsworth)

A kick-off reception was recently held at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine in conjunction with the launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan and the new GLE SUV.

Starting at a base price of $33,000, the sporty new A-Class is the entry-level luxury compact for today’s tech-savvy driver. With advanced voice recognition software, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the car responds to commands and requests much like the smart phones. Powered by a turbocharged inline 4-cyclinder engine that pumps out 188 horsepower, and driven by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual shifting, this peppy sedan can go from 0-to-60 mph in about six seconds.

The fourth-generation GLE, priced at $58,000, is king of the mid-sized SUVs. Standing tall on the new “Modular High Architecture” platform, the GLE looks great and performs even better. Both come with Mercedes’ nine-speed automatic transmission.

Both models also feature dual 12.3-inch screens mounted side by side on the dash, one for virtual gauges and the other for the infotainment touchscreen. Simply say, “Hey, Mercedes,” and the new MBUX system’s voice-command feature will respond to commands such as “Find the nearest restaurant,” and it will set the destination in the navigation system. Say, “I’m cold,” and it’ll raise the interior temperature. Like your smart phone, the more you use it the more it gets to know your preferences.

ABOUT CARROLL EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Carroll Education Foundation’s mission is to build financial support from the community and corporate partners to ensure excellence in education for all students in CISD.

ABOUT PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS

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.

 

 

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Skyline High School Visits Park Place for Automotive Career Preview

Students from Skyline High School in Dallas ISD got a unique look into working at a luxury dealership upon graduation. Park Place Dealerships hosted more than 40 students from Skyline this morning for a tour of the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche dealerships on Lemmon Avenue.

The students were able to explore the service areas, showrooms, training rooms, and parts departments of both dealerships and learn about jobs within the company, including access to unique technician opportunities. Park Place regularly provides students with access to master technicians, general managers, human resources, service managers, and leadership from the company so students can personally see the opportunities that are available to them.

One of the most popular questions asked today was, “how much money can I make by working at Park Place?” Cam Mayfield, service director at Park Place, responded with an overview of pay for different jobs. The student’s eyes lit up when they heard a master certified technician has the potential to be paid upwards of six figures at Park Place.

Because of the company’s growth, Park Place is continually looking to develop the highest quality technicians for its 16 full-service dealerships located across Dallas-Fort Worth.  Park Place hired numerous high school graduates as technicians in 2018. 

To learn more on how to apply or refer a future technician to our DFW programs visit Park Place Careers.

 

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 represents luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.