Mercedes-Benz – Page 9 – Park Place Dealerships

August 1, 2016November 30, 2016

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe Review

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is a Mercedes-Benz that defies description. It’s a departure from anything that the German manufacturer has ever offered in its illustrious history. The new GLE Coupe combines the sportiness and handling of a coupe with the convenience and spaciousness of an SUV, all wrapped up in one head turning package. Although its based on the Mercedes-Benz M Class, the GLE Coupe is a much larger, brawnier vehicle. It’s 3 inches longer, almost 4 inches longer and its an inch lower to the ground. The sound, the power, and the overall vibe to this entry are pure sport coupe. Bu this GLE brings more to the table than just a coupe with its versatility and bravado. It wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that the GLE Coupe is an SUV with the heart and soul of a street racer. It combines a new 9-speed automatic transmission with 4-matic AWD to offer a variety of driving styles that range from lively and agile to cool and calm. Because of the greater range of ratios and quicker shift points, you’ll hardly notice the shift points in this 9-speed transmission.

Underneath the elite red engine cover is the 3.0L bi-turbo V6 that powerful turbo boost supported by a dynamic exhaust system. With 362-hp and 384-lb of torque standing by, this beefy coupe accelerates from standing still to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. The LED headlamps adjust depending on the various driving and weather conditions. The GLE 450 boasts the widest seat in its class. As you fold the 60/40 split rear seats flat to get 60 cubic feet of carpeted space, you get one of the largest cargo areas of any coupe in the world. The spacious and refined cabin pampers everyone inside with its hand-finished wood and hand-fitted upholstery. The polished wood, the soft well-tailored surfaces and the elaborate metallic embellishments exude class and elegance. The GLE provides 4 different driving modes such as comfort, sport, sport + and individual, a customizable setting.

For more information on the new GLE Coupe visit one of our Park Place Motorcars Dealerships. We have locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine and Arlington. Or visit us online at parkplace.com. Click here to view our GLE inventory.

July 26, 2016July 22, 2016

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Review

Every part of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA is enhanced for handling, comfort, durability, and visibility. This SUV may be compact but it’s surprisingly ample on the inside. You can fold the rear seats in a 60/40 split to easily create up to 43.5 cubic feet of space for people and things. All models come with an ECO start/stop button that automatically shuts the engine off when the vehicle is stopped to maximize fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz is, of course, well known for its safety innovation. Collision prevention assist plus keeps the vehicle at a safe distance from vehicles in the front to lower the chance of a rear end collision. Attention assist monitors for driver drowsiness and sends alerts when it detects the possibility of a sleepy driver.

The base model of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes equipped with a 208-hp engine that provides the driver with enough acceleration to feel like one is in a sporty car without being too firm. The mid-size SUV also comes equipped with a very efficient A/C system that is able to cool the car off in just minutes, a must-have in the heat of summer. Some models come with new features such as lane change assist which helps the driver stay alert and aware if there is a car or object in the blind spot. If you’re in the market for a small SUV, there’s not much better you can do than the GLA.

Check out the high-spirited GLA at one of our various Park Place Motorcars Dealerships. We have locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine and Arlington. Or visit us online at parkplace.com. Click here to view our GLA inventory.

July 21, 2016August 1, 2016

2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA Review

With the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA, Mercedes aims to deliver all the things that you would expect in it’s cars. It’s high on luxury, comfort, safety, handling, and performance, with a surprisingly affordable price. With the CLA, affordability doesn’t mean sacrifice. Inside, it’s the envy of all the other cars in it’s class, with it’s modern dashboard, avante gard aluminum air vents, well balanced seven-inch display, and high-backed power front sport seats with deep side bolsters. You can make more room for cargo with the individually folding seat backs. In fact, you can have one rear passenger, and fold down the other two rear seats to load more cargo.

The base CLA has a 2.0 liter, 208 horsepower, inline 4-cylinder engine that uses less fuel, and outputs a wealth of torque while providing 38 miles per gallon on the highway and 26 in the city. The drag coefficient of the CLA, meaning how easily it slips through the wind, is one of the lowest, not just in it’s class, but in the entire industry. In addition to cutting wind noise, saving fuel, and maximizing airflow, it increases stability, road handling, and rough weather visibility. The seven-speed transmission that comes standard in the CLA is very smooth shifting, adding comfort to such an unbelievable value.

Come see how Mercedes-Benz can offer everything you want at an attractive price at one of our Park Place Motorcars dealerships. We have locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and Grapevine. Click here to view our CLA inventory.

June 22, 2016June 24, 2016

Behind the Badge: Mercedes-Benz

A shining star on a postcard led to the creation of the world-recognized symbol that represents Mercedes-Benz today.

The history of Mercedes-Benz and their vision to be “the best or nothing” extends as far back as the late 1800’s. Gottlieb Daimler originally founded Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) in 1890 while Carl Benz began Benz & Cie in 1883. Both businesses helped lay the foundation of motorized road transportation. After Daimler passed away in 1900, chief engineer Wilhelm Maybach took over and brought-on Austrian-born businessman and racing enthusiast- Emil Jellinek as a partner. Jellinek’s daughter Mercédès– her name meaning “grace” in Spanish –was the inspiration for the brand name as Jellinek popularized her name by using it as his racing pseudonym.

In 1909, Daimler’s two sons Paul and Adolf remembered a postcard their father sent their mom nearly 4-decades ago. The postcard featured a three-pointed star marking the location of his house in Germany, with the explanation that one day the star would shine over his factory and bring prosperity. (The History Behind the Mercedes-Benz Brand and the Three-pointed Star; by eMercedes-Benz) DMG took the star as the company’s logo. At the same time, Benz & Cie trademarked its own logo: a laurel wreath surrounding the company’s name.

On June 28, 1926 representatives of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) and Benz & Cie. signed the agreement for the merger of the two oldest automobile manufacturers in the world.

This marked the birth of Daimler AG and its globally renowned trademark: the three pointed star inside a laurel wreath.

The merger created the foundation for the present-day Daimler corporation. This alone shows the sustainable staying power of the historic merger. The economic conditions in Germany after the First World War were difficult. The same applied to the automobile industry and affected even prestigious companies like DMG and Benz & Cie. – “Germany’s two oldest and largest automobile factories”, as stated in the public announcement of the merger in 1926.

The merger was symbolized by the new brand logo of Mercedes-Benz, which was registered as a new trademark in February 1925. It connected the Mercedes star of Daimler with the laurel wreath of Benz.

The two original trademarks originated in the year 1909 and were continuously further developed until 1926. This was how the two companies began to hone up their presence in the signs system of the automobile industry at an early stage. In the early advertisements and other publications of Daimler-Benz AG, the former logos were therefore frequently shown together with the new brand name of Mercedes-Benz.

So what does the three-pronged star actually represent? According to Mercedes-Benz, it symbolizes the automaker’s drive toward universal motorization with its engines dominating the land, sea, and air (three points). This emblem and symbol further promotes their vision to be the leading luxury automobile brand, perfectly characterized by their slogan of “the best or nothing.”

For information about any Mercedes-Benz models, please contact:

Richard Wasson at Park Place Motorcars Arlington (817) 807-4811; RWasson@10.2.54.33

Zach Gilbert at Park Place Motorcars Dallas (214) 443-8212; ZGgilbert@10.2.54.33

Walter Reed at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth (817) 263-3618; WReed@10.2.54.33

Matt McPherson at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine (817) 310-7361: MMcPherson@10.2.54.33

June 15, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

Baby Raccoons Rescued From Engine of Mercedes-Benz at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine

As dreary weather and torrential downpours eclipsed Texas last week, an unexpected discovery brought smiles to everyone’s faces at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine. A technician, working on a Mercedes-Benz brought in for service, came face to face with a baby raccoon…and 3 of its siblings.

Monty Butcher, a technician at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine, opened the hood of a car and found the underside of the hood had been damaged, which begged the question, what caused this damage? Joseph Gonzales was assisting and saw something move and then a little head peeked out from within the engine.

Immediately, Buddy Ward and Patrick Estes jumped in and started removing parts of the engine. When they realized there were several baby raccoons trapped, Mark Waugh- Body Shop Manager, Doug Prince, and Andrew Zendejas- Service Drive Supervisor helped extract the animals. The Park Place team was able to pull the four baby raccoons safely from the car and put them in a box.

In the meantime, Scotty MacLean headed off to the store to pick up a cage, pillow and milk to make them comfortable.

Of course, the raccoons had many visitors throughout the day at the dealership as everyone wanted to meet them!

A wildlife rescue organization has picked the babies up, where they will be raised until they are able to be released back into the wild.

Park Place has a wonderful history of rescuing animals from cars including a red-tailed hawk in 2011 that was caught in the grill of a Lexus and a kitten that was trapped behind the front grill last year. Each of these rescues has been a complete team effort!

April 13, 2016April 18, 2016

Meet the Man Behind the Money of Park Place Dealerships

You never know where your success story will begin, but it always begins with taking a chance. Whether you take a chance and reach for the stars or someone takes a chance on you, oftentimes these chances are handsomely rewarded. Such was the case for Rick Stone, Chief Financial Officer of Park Place Dealerships.
After graduating from Stephen F. Austin University with a degree in Finance, Rick was working as an Accounting Clerk for the City of Nacogdoches when a recruiter who believed in Rick and a twist of fate came together with an opportunity of a lifetime, although at the time it may not have seemed like it.

“A recruiter I worked with presented me for a job that I was not qualified to hold,” said Stone. “Thankfully the Schnitzer family took a risk on me and put me in an analyst position for the dealership investments.”

After about 3 years, Rick moved to Dallas to work directly with Mr. Ken Schnitzer- Chairman and Owner of Park Place Dealerships. Rick worked on special projects such as acquisitions, financial analysis, real estate and more. Rick took to his new role with tremendous success and saw the challenges as opportunities. In 2007, he led the effort to bring construction management in-house to improve controls and accountability on real estate construction projects.

In 2015, Rick was promoted to the role of Chief Financial Officer as his predecessor retired. “CFO is the first official title I have ever had with this organization.” During his first two weeks as CFO, Rick made it a point to meet his team face-to-face, although they are dispersed all over DFW as well as Nevada. “In those meetings, one of the common threads in our discussions was the fact that I was there to serve them and not the other way around,” said Rick, “My leadership style is fearless servant, and it works because it’s real. I take the time to know and recognize everyone by their first name or send a quick note of encouragement. They see me every day putting 150% effort right there with them, and they see that I’m not perfect, that I have a sense of humor, and over the past year it has fostered an environment where we support, encourage and edify each other. We laugh together, we cry together, and we battle together. In order to serve others it’s important to establish rapport and get to know the team, because without that rapport they will not seek your service.”

The fearless part of his leadership comes into play by being willing to step out on the thin limbs for his team and for implementing changes, and some may be somewhat unconventional for the industry, to put Park Place in position for greater success. ” It’s [car business] actually a fairly complex business and I thrive on being challenged.”

The fearless factor flows into Rick’s personal life as well. Before he was pouring over financials, he enjoyed pouring his heart out with a good ballad as the lead singer of several hair-metal cover bands during his high-school years. Just recently, he was cast as Mr. Bradley in a production of “Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

Family fun includes coaching his sons’ baseball teams for the last 10 years, trips to the beach and tending to a cause close to his heart- youth theatre. “Sounds crazy, I know,” said Rick, “But I’ve seen the confidence in my own kids and in others through performing on stage. In today’s world there are so many ways our youth gets beaten down and discouraged; therefore, it has been refreshing to find an activity that has consistently built them up. The youth is our future and it is incumbent upon all of us to put our youth in position to succeed.”

Whether coaching a baseball team or supporting the accounting team at Park Place, working behind the scenes doesn’t present much room for recognition, however to Rick it’s not the trophies or the plaques that motivate him to work harder. “Seeing a deal get closed or a member grow and develop is what really drives me.

April 7, 2016April 8, 2016

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Is an Award-Winning Trendsetter

Mercedes-Benz is a design trendsetter. This was confirmed for the Stuttgart-based company by the judges of the globally renowned design competition, who gave the “Red Dot Award” to the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps on the new E-Class.

The MULTIBEAM LED headlamps mark a technical milestone. Each comprising 84 individually drivable high-performance LEDs, these headlamps automatically illuminate the road surface with a hitherto unsurpassed, precision-controlled distribution of exceptionally bright light – without dazzling other road users.

At the same time, with their contemporary, pure elegance and dynamically sensual radiation, they reflect the intelligence and high-tech character of the E-Class saloon.

Characteristic, for example, are the twin eyebrows of the newly interpreted daytime running lamps as well as the high-grade details, which lend the saloon a majestically focused look.

The high-calibre panel of judges for this year’s “Red Dot Awards” was called upon to judge a record number of 5214 product entries from 57 countries. The 41 independent designers, design professors and specialist journalists reserved the awards for products of outstanding design expertise. The prizes went to examples of well-thought-out, innovative styling, aesthetic quality and trendsetting design. In the verdict of the experts, these requirements were met by the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

For more information about the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or other Mercedes-Benz models, please contact:

Richard Wasson at Park Place Motorcars Arlington (817) 807-4811; RWasson@10.2.54.33

Zach Gilbert at Park Place Motorcars Dallas (214) 443-8212; ZGgilbert@10.2.54.33

Walter Reed at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth (817) 263-3618; WReed@10.2.54.33

Matt McPherson at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine (817) 310-7361: MMcPherson@10.2.54.33

April 5, 2016April 5, 2016

Must Test Drive- 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is Autotrader’s 2016 Must Test Drive award-winner. “The Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is a handsome new luxury crossover that makes a huge leap forward over the increasingly outdated GLK it replaces. The GLC features nicely balanced steering, crisp design and premium materials throughout the cabin,” says Autotrader.

Autotrader highlights new vehicles that car shoppers should pay attention to – and experience from the driver’s seat. Experience the award-winning Mercedes-Benz GLC300 at Park Place Motorcars in Arlington, Dallas, Fort-Worth, and Grapevine.

For more information about the Mercedes-Benz GLC or to place and order, please contact:

Richard Wasson at Park Place Motorcars Arlington (817) 807-4811; RWasson@10.2.54.33

Zach Gilbert at Park Place Motorcars Dallas (214) 443-8212; ZGgilbert@10.2.54.33

Walter Reed at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth (817) 263-3618; WReed@10.2.54.33

Matt McPherson at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine (817) 310-7361: MMcPherson@10.2.54.33

March 21, 2016

Mercedes-Benz Birthday Surprise

Walking into Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, Mrs. Brown had no idea she was in store for the ultimate surprise.

Earlier in the week, her husband stopped by the dealership to shop for the perfect birthday gift for his wife. “When I arrived, Darrin Cline approached me in a pleasant manner,” says Mr. Brown. “We discussed my vehicle wants, needs and desires. Darrin listened to me carefully. Price point and condition of the vehicle were important, so was customer service. I explained to Darrin this was to be a special gift for my wife. He promised to make the delivery a memorable one- he delivered.”

It took some convincing from Mr. Brown, but his wife agreed to stop by Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth to ‘look around’. “She was not suspicious at all,” said Mr. Brown.

When they arrived, Darrin greeted them and played along with the surprise. He suggested taking a look at a vehicle that was parked just outside. “When we turned the corner of the building, and a perfectly detailed white Mercedes-Benz SLK sat there with a huge ribbon on the hood, a flower and a card on the seat- she began to suspect something,” said Mr. Brown.

Darrin knew the car was a special present for a special lady. “Mr. Brown had mentioned it was for his wife’s birthday so I thought it would be a nice surprise to have a big red bow and some flowers.”

Darrin handed Mrs. Brown the keys and wished her a very Happy Birthday! The tears were next.

“Unfortunately I have no photos of the surprise,” says Darrin, “but it was very emotional for the both of them so I gave them space. Mr. Brown was very grateful and texted me later that day, it was a big success! It feels really great every time I deliver a car and I see the joy and happiness that takes place.”