Uncategorized – Page 6 – Park Place Dealerships

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, 2016

Lexus Leather Dress

An intricate blend of art and craft. Luxurious Lexus leather, fashioned into a fab frock.

February 29, 2016March 11, 2016

Mercedes-Benz GL meets S. The New 2017 GLS is First Class All The Way.

The new GLS is a completely modernized SUV family from Mercedes-Benz, reflecting harmony and modern luxury to impressive effect. Chrome details such as the roof rails, underguard, shoulderline trim strips, luggage compartment handle and side skirt trim create attractive highlights. The Sport exterior, available on the GLS550, provides a muscular appearance and consists of unique front and rear aprons, side running boards, side flaps painted in the vehicle color and 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Even more exclusivity is created with the Night package which is available in conjunction with this model’s equipment line.

A new, dynamic exterior and revised, luxurious interior clearly underscore the impressive character of the GLS. On the exterior, focus has been placed on a redesign of the front end, while the rear has been modernized around the bumper and with full LED tail lamps. Eye-catching highlights in the interior include a newly designed instrument panel with Media Display, new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, modified center console with touchpad and new trim options.

The GLS is setting standards in the world of the SUV as it confirms its position as the “S-Class among SUVs.” The only full-fledged seven-seater in the European premium SUV segment boasts ample spaciousness and combines luxury with impressive levels of comfort, agile dynamics and best-in-class safety. Whether put to everyday use or venturing off the beaten track, the GLS meets all requirements effortlessly and comfortably.

The new generation features improved efficiency, additional DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, improved air suspension system (AIRMATIC) with enhanced damping system (ADS), nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, state-of-the-art assistance systems and the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz telematics which includes internet access and remote-start capability. More power, more dynamism and more equipment are also offered by the new Mercedes-AMG GLS63.

With a peak output of 577 hp, independent suspension and the revised AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, it represents the pinnacle of the GLS model line. Standard features on the GLS63 include AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes which provide optimum flexibility and a rear-biased AMG Performance all-wheel drive system. The GLS63 also shows strength of character with its updated AMG design elements and high quality interior.

The equipment level of the new GLS in the area of active safety underscores Mercedes-Benz’s high standards when it comes to taking the strain off the driver. Standard driver assistance systems include COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST. Other systems available as standard on the GLS include: PRE-SAFE® system, Brake Assist BAS, electronic all wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP®, and cruise control.

Optimum protection potential is provided by passive occupant protection systems together with “electronic crumple zones” of the assistance systems and intelligent body design. Adaptive, two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, knee airbag for the driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvis airbags) and window airbags above all three seat rows are available. Night-time vision is improved by the optionally available LED Intelligent Light System, new to the GLS, while adverse weather conditions resulting in impaired visibility are defused by MAGIC VISION CONTROL, the heated adaptive windscreen wiper system which provides optimum water distribution.

The GLS is set to arrive late-March 2016.

For more information about the Mercedes-Benz GLS 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

February 29, 2016March 15, 2016

Mercedes-Benz’ Latest Creation: 2017 C-Class Coupe

Athletic and sporty, the vivid, sensual design of the new C-Class Coupe cuts a fine figure on the road and embodies modern luxury. At the same time, its interior raises elegance and style to a sporty level. With its high-class appeal and generous interior, the new C- Class Coupe sets new standards in its segment. “Our new C-Class Coupe continues the philosophy of our exciting coupes. It combines thrilling design with agile sportiness and modern luxury. The C-Class Coupe therefore clearly pledges itself to stylish driving enjoyment,” states Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

As the sportiest variant of the C-Class, the Coupe displays its driving enjoyment-oriented character in an emotional and at the same time formally distinct design. A sportily striking front section featuring diamond radiator grille, long hood and frameless doors with free-standing exterior mirrors underscore the sporty character.

Clean lines and sensually arranged surfaces structure the side sections into vivid light and shadow effects. One particular highlight is the long, drawn-out dropping line typical of a coupe.

The interior is likewise a statement of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy and combines emotion with intelligence. Although it exudes athletic and youthful charm, it has grown in maturity.

Driver and passengers enjoy an ambience that leans toward the interior of the C-Class Sedan, yet raises it to a new, sporty level.

Flowing forms characterize the center console as well as the door and rear side paneling, which smoothly merge into one another to emphasize the coupe character.

The individually designed trim elements underscore the sporty character of the interior. A seating system including integral sports seats designed specifically for the Coupe offers sporty comfort, while the standard automatic belt feeder offers additional convenience. The choice of materials and the finish have a hand-crafted feel with high-class appeal and deliver a new take on modern luxury: sportiness without compromising on comfort and exquisite style.

The C300 Coupe comes equipped with a powerful and efficient 2.0L, four-cylinder gas engine delivering 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, providing sporty performance and enhanced driving pleasure. The air conditioning system in the new C-Class Coupe operates efficiently and ensures high air quality. It uses satellite navigation to detect tunnels, and therefore closes the air recirculation flap automatically when entering a tunnel and opens it again after exiting a tunnel. A completely new multimedia generation offers intuitive operation in the new C-Class Coupe, featuring elaborate animations and visual effects which present all the functions in a clear and highly attractive manner. The new C-Class is also equipped with the unique Frontbass system. This avant-garde acoustic system uses the space within the cross-member and side member in the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers to conjure up a listening experience almost on a par with a concert hall. A Burmester® surround sound system is optionally available. It arrives at U.S. dealers in Spring of 2016.

For more information about the Mercedes-Benz GLS 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

February 29, 2016March 15, 2016

Volvo S90 Sedan Is a Real Game Changer

The Volvo S90 has been widely praised for its stunning exterior and sumptuous interior. Its proud yet non-aggressive face, characterized by a concave grille, itself a homage to the Volvo P1800, is home to Volvo’s new Iron Mark. The T-shaped Thor’s Hammer lights deliver a powerful sense of direction that makes the S90 unmistakable on the road.

Inside this low, four-door coupé, Volvo has taken cues from the success of its XC90 model and raised the bar with some stunning details on the new dashboard and instrument panel, including new air blades that stand vertically on each side of the Sensus user interface.

“We created our new flagship sedan, the Volvo S90, as a real game changer. It is classy and cool. The exterior is exceptionally well surfaced with a fantastic stance and the sort of clean lines that are singularly appropriate of a Scandinavian design. The interior masters the art of blending innovative technology and natural materials into an elegant, welcoming and tasteful ambience, Swedishness at its best,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design at Volvo Car Group.

The launch of the S90 highlights the ambition of the Swedish car maker, following an $11bn investment and the recent breaking of ground in Charleston, South Carolina, where Volvo Cars will build its first North American production facility, employing around 2,000 workers. “There are strong indications that Volvo is back on track in the US,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President of the Americas at Volvo Car Group. “We expect this strong sales momentum to continue in 2016, helped by the new S90.” The S90 launches with IntelliSafe Assist as standard. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert and the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist.

The Pilot Assist functionality gives gentle steering input to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 80 mph (130 km/h) and no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards full autonomous drive – a key innovation area for Volvo, and one which is highlighted at the show with the Concept 26 display, which envisions how a car interior could look and feel in a fully autonomous Volvo.

The Volvo S90 also introduces a world first function to City Safety – large animal detection – a feature capable of detecting large animals such as large deer, horses or moose/elk, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive warning and brake support to help avoid or mitigate collisions with large animals.

The S90 has also benefitted from Volvo Cars’ recent investment in a highly advanced chassis simulator. “The S90 has taken a big stride forwards in terms of driving dynamics, performance and ride. We have completely redesigned the Volvo driving experience from the ground up to deliver a sense of precision, engaging control and comfort,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Volvo S90

For more information please contact:

Donny Lambrecht, New Car Director at Park Place Volvo, (214) 956-5516, DLambrecht@10.2.54.33

Explore the Volvo S90 here.

February 15, 2016February 22, 2016

The New Volvo V90 Built on Over 60 Years of Volvo Heritage

The eagerly-awaited stylish and versatile Volvo V90 is the latest in the premium car maker’s top-of-the-line 90 series sitting alongside the award winning XC90 SUV and the recently-launched S90 premium sedan. Building on Volvo Cars’ indisputable heritage in the estate segment, that began over 60 years ago with the Volvo Duett, the new V90 takes the premium estate a clear step forward in terms of aesthetics, materials and finish, while living up to the ultimately practical nature of any true estate

Volvo V90 Steel cage with text — Volvo V90 Steel cage

“We have provenance in the estate segment,” said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive at Volvo Cars. “In many people’s minds we are known as the definitive estate brand. While the Volvo brand stands for much more than just estates, we will proudly carry forward this rich heritage with the V90.”

Few car companies can claim the same pedigree as Volvo Cars when it comes to the design and manufacture of family estates. The V90 is a car that benefits from over 60 years of estate building heritage that started with the Volvo Duett which was launched in 1953 – the first car to meet the combined needs of drivers’ active leisure time and practical professional lives.

A selection of iconic estate models have shaped Volvo’s history. These include:

Duett

Launched in 1953, the Duett went on to become one of the most loved models ever, it was one of the first Volvos to be exported to the United States and it was immortalized in 1997 by getting its own Swedish postage stamp.

Amazon

The Duett was followed in 1962 by the Amazon, or the 221 as it was officially known.

The Amazon was a significantly more elegant and refined estate than the Duett, which had its origins as a delivery van, while it also offered more space in the boot.The S model, which offered a full 115 hp, was an incredibly sporty car by the standards of the 1960s. The boot door was an American-style two-split version – a solution that would return 40 years later on the original XC90.

1800 ES

A refresh of the 1800 sports coupe, the 1800 ES was known in England as a Shooting Brake: a sporty estate with space for hunting gear or golf clubs in the back. The 1800 ES was introduced in the autumn of 1971, and its most exciting feature possibly being the huge rear windscreen that had no bezel whatsoever. Hinges and handles were fixed directly to the glass, which was very modern in the early 1970s.

Since only a little over 8,000 1800 ES were built, it has become one of the most sought-after classic Volvo models. The 1800 ES was also a clear source of inspiration for the Volvo Concept Estate, launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014 as a precursor to a new family of Volvo estates.

245

In 1974, the archetypal Volvo estate car was launched: the 245 – a car still strongly associated with the brand. It remained in production for almost 20 years until 1993, and was also available in a more exclusive edition – the 265 with a V6 engine.

The 1980s marked the launch of the 245 Turbo edition, the world’s first estate car with a turbo engine.

960

The Volvo 960 was the final rear-wheel-drive estate car produced by Volvo as a development of the 700 series from the 80s. It was introduced in 1990, featuring smoother body lines and a brand new 6-cylinder engine. In 1996, its name was changed to the V90 – a name that now returns exactly 20 years later. It was one of the most elegant estate cars in Volvo’s history.

850 T5-R

With its intense yellow paint job, 240 horsepower and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, the Volvo 850 T5-R was an estate car like no other ever seen before. Launched as a limited edition, model year 1994-only version of the 850, the T5-R became an instant collector’s item.

The Volvo 850 also caught the eye on the race track. It took Europe’s racing scene by storm in 1994 when it debuted in the prestigious British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) as the first factory-entered racing estate.

February 3, 2016February 3, 2016

Park Place Dealerships Entrepreneurs’ Lecture Series Kicks Off

The Fort Worth and Dallas chapters of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global, peer-to-peer network, recently teamed up to kick off its 2016 Entrepreneurs’ Lecture Series at AT&T Stadium. Park Place Dealerships has been the title sponsor of the lecture series in Dallas for the past four years and has become the title sponsor in Fort Worth this past year. Retired United States Air Force pilot Rob Shallenberger was the guest speaker who shared his experiences as an F-16 pilot and challenged the guests to create a flight plan for life.

Pictured left to right: Don Lamont, President of the Fort Worth EO chapter; Rob Sumner, Director of Marketing for Park Place Dealerships; and Stephen LaMure, President EO Dallas.

Following the presentation, the 150 guests were treated to a self-guided tour of the Dallas Cowboys locker room and the opportunity to kick a field goal on the field. The group had a great time networking and sharpening their skills, but at the end of the evening determined Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey had nothing to worry about for challengers in the upcoming season.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn in Dallas. Today, Park Place operates 18 full-service dealerships representing the top luxury brands.

November 30, 2015December 14, 2015

Maserati Expands 2016 Portfolio

The 2016 Maserati line-up has two powerful new additions in its latest product portfolio. The Italian automaker is now offering an S version of its Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans, each equipped with a high-powered V6 410 HP rear-wheel drive variant. Maserati also introduces new enhanced safety and convenience features to its expanded range of sedans such as Start & Stop System, Blind Spot & Rear Cross Path alert, Power Trunk Lid/Hands Free feature, premium Harman Kardon 900 watt audio system, Clari-Fi on Bowers & Wilkins sound system, SIRI Smart Personal Assistant and a new wheel collection.

Other product highlights include exclusive Ermenegildo Zegna specially fashioned interior trim package now available on both Ghibli and Quattroporte models. Designed in collaboration with the legendary Italian fashion brand, these silk interiors are specially outfitted and woven, much like a fine Italian suit. Available in three color variants (Nero, Cuoio and Rosso), this tailored interior option is now available on the 2016 Maserati sport sedans and will later extend to the full Maserati range.

Maserati continues to offer its range-topping GranTurismo coupe and convertible models. The GranCabrio Sport and GranTurismo MC Centennial Edition feature an exceptional degree of personalization for clientele to pair with its vigorous naturally aspirated V8 engine and signature drive. The GT line is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s design ethos, combined with the purest of driving pleasure.

As Maserati expands its offerings, it continues to strengthen its position and grow its share in the luxury segment. The Company persists, pushing the cusp of design innovation to stay its course on the cutting edge of the automotive industry.

For more information about Maserati please contact:

Malcolm Gage at Maserati Dallas, (214) 849-5355; MGage@10.2.54.33

Oscar Restrepo at Maserati Fort Worth, (817) 263-3696; ORestrepo@10.2.54.33

November 9, 2015November 9, 2015

Working Mom Excels in Male-Dominated Industry

Diki Sue Terry is not your average working mom. In fact, she is the first female Parts Manager out of the 18 dealerships in the Park Place family.
“Park Place has a great way of treating their employees,” explained Terry. “They invest in us with training courses in everything from Linked-In to better communications… all through the Park Place University website. They also train us to treat our clients with the utmost respect. Arlington has no idea how respectful we are to our clients.”

Terry grew up in Arlington and graduated from James W. Martin High School in 1993. She and her husband Patrick, have lived in Springtown for the past nine years with their daughter Marianne and son Michael.

Terry started at Park Place as a receptionist in 2006 and was quickly tapped for a Parts Advisory position. She was promoted to Assistant Parts Manager soon after that, and was recently named Parts Manager at Park Place Motorcars Arlington.

Terry has her work cut out for her as Mercedes-Benz gets ready to introduces 10 new vehicles in 2016. “As the technology advances in our vehicles so do the components within them,” said Terry. “In Parts today, you must train continually to keep pace. I’m privileged to work for a company and a manufacturer who support us with Mercedes-Benz Learning & Performance Courses. We have quarterly training requirements that must be met in order to reach the next level of certification.” Terry had seven re-certifications just in the last quarter.

When asked what advice she would share with women considering a career in the automotive industry, Terry emphatically replied, “Go for it! Mercedes Benz USA (MBUSA) has a female manager in the area that encourages me. She said there are other female parts managers in Florida. She thinks women make the best Parts Managers because we’re so detail-oriented.” Empowering women to succeed in the automotive industry is just one of many intriguing stories you’ll find among the “Experts in Excellence” at Park Place Motorcars Arlington.

Come by and meet Diki Sue Terry and the rest of our team at Park Place Motorcars Arlington, located at 4201 Beltway Place off Interstate 20.

September 23, 2015

Porsche Exclusive Celebration- Custom Cars. Cocktails. Couture.

Park Place Porsche in Dallas was recently named one of only six Porsche Exclusive Flagship Dealers in the country. To celebrate, Park Place invited more than 450 guests to a unique event, where they experienced the limitless options now available to configure their own amazing vehicle in the new Porsche Exclusive Design Center.

“There’s an infinite number of possibilities to customize your Porsche,” said Patrick Huston, general manager of Park Place Porsche. “Whether you’re looking to create a distinctive 911 Turbo, Boxster, Cayenne, Panamera, Cayman or Macan, you’ll discover a level of customization never before possible. You can sit down in our Design Center and select a wide range of options. Then you see the changes on the computer screen to determine how those choices work together. We also have paint, leather, trim, and parts samples in-house where you can touch and feel them.”

In addition to the Porsche Design Center, Park Place sales experience managers roamed the floor with electronic tablets to help guests configure their own dream car.

Two Porsche Exclusive cars inside, provided inspiration: a 2016 Panamera and a 2015 911 Turbo S with many unique features.

Guests who configured a Porsche at the event were entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $13,000 exclusive Chopard Porsche 919 Edition watch from Bachendorf’s.
Ron Witten of University Park was the lucky winner.

Customization was the key to the party. Lombardi’s invited guests to build their own flatbreads.

Reyka Vodka and Hendrick’s Gin offered a “create your own martini” bar, where one could create any cocktail combination they could conjure up.

The Lou Lou Ladies Lounge featured unique clothing and accessories so a lady could create her own look, all while sipping on refreshing Solerno Fizz Cocktails.

Jo Malone London fragrances demonstrated how to create your own personal scent.

The Men’s Lounge showcased watches from Bachendorf’s, Origins skincare, chair massages, a Hudson Bourbon bar, as well as Krombacher beer and hand-rolled cigars.