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Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a Pumpkin-Filled Wonderland Through November 3rd 2024

Park Place Dealerships Official Automotive Sponsor of 19th Annual Autumn at the Arboretum

The 19th annual Autumn at the Arboretum, a beloved fall tradition that transforms the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden into a pumpkin-filled wonderland, is in full swing. Park Place Dealerships is the official automotive sponsor helping bring this seasonal event to the community.

Running through November 3, guests will see more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash from Floydada, Texas—known as the pumpkin capital of Texas—and features 150,000 vibrant fall-blooming plants, creating a breathtaking seasonal display.

This year’s Autumn at the Arboretum highlights a special exhibit, “Texas Town,” which takes visitors on an immersive journey through the lives of Texas pioneers. Guests can explore six distinct pumpkin houses, each representing a unique aspect of pioneer life.

From the cozy atmosphere of a log cabin to the lively spirit of a local saloon, Texas Town offers a captivating glimpse into the history and resilience of early Texans. The exhibit also includes a pioneer farmstead, a general store, a humble sod house, and a one-room schoolhouse, each adorned with detailed historical markers to provide insights into the era’s daily life and architecture.

“Autumn at the Arboretum is one of our favorite events of the season in North Texas,” said Kara Connor, Experiential Marketing Manager at Park Place Dealerships. “This year’s ‘Texas Town’ theme adds such a rich historical dimension, allowing families to not only enjoy the beauty of the fall season but also to step back in time and experience the pioneering spirit of Texas. We’re honored to be part of this incredible celebration.”

In addition to Texas Town, visitors can admire the striking colors of autumnal flowers, including marigolds, chrysanthemums, pentas, and other seasonal blooms, which complement the warm tones of the pumpkins, creating a truly magical experience for guests of all ages.

For more information on Autumn at the Arboretum and to plan your visit, please go to www.dallasarboretum.org.

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Volvo Plug-In Hybrid is Tops in New AAA Car Guide and Other Awards

To no one’s surprise, Volvo has accumulated a new set of awards and recognition for their already award-winning line-up. This time their hybrid vehicles received the spotlight, with the 2020 Volvo S90 luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle earning a top score and two other awards from AAA.

Volvo Cars S90 Plug-In Hybrid

Over the past year, Volvo has dived deep into the world of electric and plug-in hybrid options and they are intent on challenging other luxury brands.  In the new AAA Car Guide, Volvo’s flagship luxury Sedan, the Volvo S90, was recognized for the following titles:

  • Best Over $50,000
  • Best Large Vehicle 
  • Best Overall Design 

Like its siblings, the XC90 SUV and V90 wagon, the S90 carries the proud and confident face of Volvo’s design language, state-of-the-art connectivity, efficient Drive-E powertrains, safety features, and driver assistance.

Volvo’s City Safety technology, standard on all Volvo models, combines automatic braking functionality and collision avoidance systems to cover a range of potential accident scenarios and help keep you safe. The Pilot Assist driver assistance system, which maintains speed, safe following distance, and driving lane, works up to 80 mph on clearly marked roads.

“We are proud AAA has recognized the S90 for the great car we think it is,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President Americas and President and CEO, Volvo Car USA. “As our flagship sedan, the S90 offers the leading-edge technology and design luxury car buyers demand, with all the safety of a Volvo.”

S90 T8 Inscription

The S90 T8 eAWD offers 400 horsepower with an EPA-rated 60 MPGe economy. Pricing starts at $63,845. The 316-horsepower T6 starts at $50,550.

 

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Volvo Cars Introduces an S90 and V90 Refresh

Volvo Cars reveals refreshed versions of the S90 sedan and the V90/V90 Cross Country estate models, including a refined exterior design and a brand new, state-of-the-art sound system by Bowers and Wilkins.

In a broader portfolio upgrade, the company’s 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain options are now available on every Volvo model, further boosting the company’s electrified offer.

Exterior Design 

The refreshed Volvo S90 Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid in Platinum Grey

In terms of exterior design, Volvo designers have introduced a number of refinements on both the front and rear of the S90 and V90, including new fog lights, a new spoiler design and a new lower front bumper.

On the V90 and V90 Cross Country, the most striking feature is a brand new rear light design, including full LED-powered signature lighting and a sequential turn indicator. A range of new exterior colors and wheel options further improve options for personalization.

The refreshed Volvo V90 B6 AWD Cross Country in Thunder Grey

Inside, a comprehensively upgraded Bowers & Wilkins audio system introduces an even better in-car sound experience, thanks to new features such as an upgraded amplifier, automatic vehicle noise compensation and a new setting that mimics the sound of your favorite jazz club.

Another new feature inside is an Advanced Air Cleaner with a PM 2.5 particle sensor. First developed for the Chinese market and now rolled out globally, it allows drivers to monitor interior air quality via the center screen. If desired, the Advanced Air Cleaner can clean the cabin air of almost all tiny particles within a few minutes.

Both the new Bowers & Wilkins audio system and the Advanced Air Cleaner technology are now available on all 90 and 60 Series models based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

All models in the 90 and 60 Series now also come with double USB-C charging points in the rear, replacing the 12-volt outlets. The wireless charging functionality for smartphones, first introduced on the small XC40 SUV, is now also available on most variants in the 90 and 60 Series.

In terms of interior materials, the exclusive tailored wool-blend seats first introduced on the XC90 last year are now also available on all 90 and 60 models, while there is also a leather-free interior option for the top trim levels.

Hybrid Powertrains

Elsewhere in its model range, Volvo Cars is significantly expanding the number of its 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain options, making these engine options available on every single Volvo model.

First introduced on the XC90 and XC60 SUVs last year, the mild hybrids are now also available on all other 90 and 60 Series cars as well as on the XC40. The mild-hybrid powertrain options on the V90 Cross Country represent the first electrified variants in the history of the Cross Country range.

Volvo Cars’ mild hybrids offer drivers up to 15 percent fuel savings and emission reductions in real-world driving. The brake-by-wire system interacts with the energy recovery system and reduces fuel consumption and emissions by recovering kinetic energy under braking.

Together with the Recharge car line of plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars, this means there is now an electrified Volvo model for everyone.

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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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Good Things Come In Small Packages: Review of the 2020 Volvo S60

The tried-and-true hallmarks of Swedish automaker Volvo have always been safety, iron-clad reliability and fine craftsmanship. And if you’re going to be known for something, those are good things.

But in the past few years, Volvo’s upped its reputation ante in terms of performance and design, too. Take a look at the latest generation of the XC40, XC60, and XC90 SUVs and the S90 sedan and V90 wagon, and you’ll see a decided shift to refined athleticism.

They’ve applied those attributes to their latest iteration of a perennial favorite, the 2020 S60.

“The S60 is surprisingly sporty, as well as beautifully crafted and extremely comfortable,” intones Park Place Volvo Sales Experience Manager (SEM) Kurt Rongey. (He has the deep, reassuring baritone of a classical music station announcer, which he in fact was for 17 years at Dallas’ WRR 101.1.) “But it’s also about paying attention to the little things, and that’s where the S60 really shines.”

The S60 plays in a wildly competitive field – the compact, entry-level luxury sedan market – which is populated by vehicles such as the Audi A4, the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes C-class. In this arena, attention to detail is critical. And inside and out, the S60 delivers the goods. 

The exterior looks lithe, lean and muscular, with taut lines, a sweeping roofline and those instantly recognizable taillights and “Thor’s Hammer” emblazoned headlamps. It looks eager to go just standing still.

Move into the cabin for a deeper appreciation of Swedish contemporary design – roomier than one would expect, with plenty of leg- and head-room for 6’ 2” and up occupants. Materials are all first-class, fitted and finished with precision. Textured aluminum provides intriguing brightwork, and the wood paneling is rich and vibrant.

Even little things grab your attention. The engine toggle switch and the sound system’s volume control are knurled and have a solid feel similar to what’s found in a Bentley or Rolls-Royce. Graphics are crisp and detailed on both the digital instrument cluster and the Sensus infotainment system’s touchscreen.

And the seats! Cossetting and comforting, they’re richly upholstered in fine leather and are a soothing place to while away one’s time whether just commuting or driving long distances.

Even the base “Momentum” T5 designation is richly equipped, while luxury and performance climb higher with the “Inscription” and “R-Design” trim levels. Drivers will find rewarding performance from the base model’s 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, equipped with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. There’s no turbo lag and the transmission shifts like butter on a warm day.

“When a client comes in to check out the S60, I first steer them to test drive the T5 Momentum,” says Rongey. “That way, they get a real feel for the depth and range of Volvo’s artistry and precision.”

It also doesn’t hurt that, with a starting price of just under $36,000, the T5 is a downright bargain.

For those who prefer a wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing mode, there’s the T6 designation, which is also available in all three trim levels and features the same buttery gearbox, but is mated with a sporty 316-hp turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter engine, augmented by all-wheel drive.

And in the R-Design, with its stiffer suspension, you’ll definitely surprise that teenager in his Mustang GT when you go roaring off the line.

Not that a Volvo driver would ever do that, of course. 

“I really like the S60 lineup,” concludes Rongey. “From the base model on up, you get everything you want with no compromise. It’s sporty, refined, attractive, packed with value, beautifully appointed and good looking inside and out. You find yourself smiling when you drive it.”

 

Learn more here.

Get yours at:

Park Place Volvo

3515 Inwood Road

Dallas, TX 75209

(972) 432-5622

 

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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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2020 Volvo V90 Wagon Recognized For Value

According to ALG, an industry authority on automotive residual value projections, the 2020 Volvo V90 wagon holds its value better than any car in its class. To make it official, ALG awarded the manufacturer’s wagon with the ALG Residual Value Award in the Premium Size Segment.

What is the ALG Residual Value Award?

This particular award is presented annually to the vehicle anticipated to hold its value best over a three year period, and this is the second year that the V90 as come out as champion.

When deciding, vehicles are categorized into 27 different segments and evaluated on several different parameters including used vehicle performance, brand outlook, and product competitiveness. This the ALG only considered 2020 models, making it a great resource for anyone looking to make an investment in the coming year. 

“We are incredibly proud that the V90 has received a Residual Value Award for the second year in a row,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President Americas and President & CEO Volvo Car USA LLC. “A car purchase is one of the biggest investments a consumer makes, and this recognition gives our V90 customers confidence that they’ve made a smart decision that will retain its value for years to come.”

V90 Overview

Starting at $51,450, the 2020 V90 features a five-door, five-seat layout and features the iconic Scandinavian design that Volvo is so well known for. Key features include the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, new grille, and the Volvo Ironmark, and the expressive use of the Volvo wordmark on the tail end.  Contact Volvo Dallas to test drive yours! 

V90 Residual Value Award

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Volvo Introduces All-Electric XC40- Available for Pre-Order

Future Volvo customers will need to answer one fundamental question: do you want a new Volvo with a cord or without one?

(Information is from Volvo Car’s Press Release) Volvo Cars introduces the XC40 Recharge, the company’s first-ever fully electric car and the first model to appear in its brand new Recharge car line concept.

The XC40 Recharge, based on the multi-award-winning and best-selling XC40 small SUV, is the first of a family of fully electric Volvos. It represents a true milestone for Volvo Cars: the company’s first electric car and the first Volvo with a brand new infotainment system powered by Google’s Android operating system.

Over the next five years, Volvo Cars will launch a fully electric car every year, as it seeks to make all-electric cars 50 percent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids. Recharge will be the overarching name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The XC40 Recharge is everything customers expect from a Volvo, with the addition of a state-of-the-art, fully electric all-wheel drive powertrain that offers a range of over 400 km (WLTP) [200 miles in U.S.**] on a single charge and output of 408hp [402 hp in U.S.]. The battery charges to 80 % of its capacity in 40 mins on a fast-charger system.***

Contact Park Place Volvo Cars in Dallas for serious inquiries on any recharged pre-orders.

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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