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Car Purchasing 101: Park Place Sheds Light on Upgrading to the Luxury Experience

Purchasing a vehicle, whether it’s the first time or 20th time is, for lack of a better term, a big deal. This is a purchase that majorly impacts your finances and one that could really elevate your lifestyle (like moving from a worn out, older vehicle to your first new luxury car) or improve your current transportation situation (like upgrading from a Coupe to a Four-Door for more passenger room.)

If you want another perspective on going Mercedes when tech is a top priority, check out this post from Mama Challenge’s own Autumn Reo.

Either way, life happens, and you do not need something as important as a new car purchase to add any more stress. In fact, finding your new car should be easy and memorable. That’s where Park Place is committed to stepping in and helping shed light on the process as it is today to put you at ease.  

Disclaimer: We do have quite a lot of information in this article, so feel free to scroll to the section that fits your immediate questions if you’re in a hurry!

GETTING STARTED

First and foremost, it’s important to know what you want so that our team can help find the best fit for your needs. So, let’s get you started on your car-buying journey.

A great starting point is always Google. Yes, we are completely serious. Google can help you first figure out what sort of vehicle or brands you’re interested in, see what area dealers are around, and allow you compare shop freely without committing to a specific location too soon.  If you don’t know where to start your search, we recommend these three simple questions to ask yourself:

  1. Why am I looking and why do I need a new (or pre-owned) car?
  2. What are my must-haves (heated seats, interior fabric, exterior color etc.)?
  3. What am I comfortable investing?

These three questions will really help drive your search and guide you through various pages of inventory on 3rd party sites. Be sure to use the filters once you have some items identified, and narrow your search results. Our team at Park Place designed ParkPlace.com to be more than just an inventory hub, but also a go-to place for quality research where you can view information on brands, learn about the ownership experience, and then browse inventory that matches your criteria.

For example, this past year we created a page on Electric and Hybrid vehicles in response to the all-new, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE being released. Check out this Electric Vehicle hub we built out for the introduction of the All-New Jaguar I-PACE

LEASE VS. BUY

When deciding to lease or buy, there are two top-level points to keep in mind. We will provide a true compare/contrast of these options later on in this informative series.

  1. Mileage: How many miles do you drive per month?

 If you drive a good amount for work or for personal reasons, you should definitely estimate your monthly usage to ensure you aren’t at risk for going over your mileage at the end of your lease. Mile overages can be very costly when you turn in your vehicle at the end of your lease, and if you’re paying extra for extra miles it might be more cost-effective over time to simply purchase and not worry about miles traveled. Either way you are making some form of monthly payment towards a vehicle investment.

Now, there are differences in down-payment depending on leasing and buying which leads you to our initial point of determining what you are financially comfortable investing in a new or used auto.

  1. Vehicle Customization

If you like to customize your vehicle with any 3rd party parts or tune-ups, your vehicle will not be eligible to be turned back in at the end of your lease. Ask about manufacturer options and packages prior to purchasing/leasing to see if the manufacturer already creates or offers a spec similar to the tune-ups you want, that way you’re doing your homework in the event you want to lease and be able to turn your vehicle back into the dealer.

New, Pre-Owned, or Certified

At Park Place, we sell three different kinds of vehicles:

  1. New Cars: At Park Place, these are the base manufacturers for each dealership. So Park Place Motorcars only sells new Mercedes-Benz vehicles and is a certified Mercedes-Benz service center. At Park Place Volvo, we sell new Volvo cars and are a certified service center for Volvo machines.
  • Pre-Owned: Park Place not only sells Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but it’s important to look at all of their pre-owned inventory which can include other luxury brands or economy/non-luxury brands as well. You’ll get the Park Place experience, without having to commit to a new vehicle or lease necessarily.
  • Certified: Certified or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) provide reassurance that a certified dealer has inspected, serviced, and restored to like-new condition an on-brand vehicle.

Whether New, Pre-Owned, or CPO the benefits, perks, and rewards remain the same at Park Place. This means that you do not need to buy new to be Park Place Preferred. That includes complimentary car washes, special discounts on services, parts and accessories, access to loaner vehicles when servicing, and exclusive offers from local retailers from food, floral, and experiential opportunities.

NEXT STEPS:

Now you’ve found something you like so it’s time to test drive.  In our next article, we’ll briefly go over a few things to ask or look out for on your test drive depending on your driving habits and what the car will be used for.  Until then, we invite you to subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you can get notifications whenever we do the test drive for you.

YouTube is actually a top-source for automotive content from how-tos to one-to-one comparisons and full vehicle walkarounds. There’s a wealth of videos that can help you experience the vehicles and technology you think you want in your next vehicle in case you can’t make it into the dealership quite yet.

Take the Mercedes-Benz A-Class or Volvo XC40 for example.  Park Place produced a full-walkaround to show clients or potential clients the ins and outs of the newest vehicles from our array of luxury manufacturers.

Have any questions about the new car buying process you want us to address? Send us an email to social@10.2.54.33 and we will do our best to make car purchasing a seamless and approachable experience.  #yourparkplace #carbuying101

 

 

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Bentley Dallas Celebrates Centenary of Iconic Brand

Bentley Dallas put on the party of the century July 10th in honor of Bentley Motors’ Centenary.

 “The policy was simple,” W.O. Bentley said when he founded his namesake motor company July 10, 1919. “We were going to make a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.”

True to its founding principles, Bentley continues to make fast cars with an emphasis on comfort and luxury.  And they are arguably the best in their class.

In celebration of Bentley’s Centenary, Bentley Dallas hosted a cocktail reception featuring a new 2020 Bentley Continental GTC convertible displayed next to an exquisite 1937 Bentley Sports Tourer by Vanden Plas in their Lemmon Avenue showroom.

Powered by its original 4.25 Liter engine, the ’37 Bentley with serial number B1KU was exported to the US in the late 1950s. While it still includes the initial body with matching numbers on the original parts, it’s not just a showpiece. The engine still purrs like a kitten. The rolling work of art will be offered at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach sale August 16-17. 

Guest were serenaded by Armenian singer Goga and his trio, which played everything from pop music to opera. Bachendorf’s displayed a limited-edition Breitling timepiece among other beautiful pieces. Guests enjoyed a celebratory toast with Champagne Palmer and delicious canapés by Dallas Fish Market and Dallas Chop House.  A “100 Extraordinary Years” cake also marked the notable anniversary.

The old English company, now part of the Volkswagen Group, began celebrating its 100th anniversary earlier this year with the showing in Paris of its 2020 Bentley Continental GT convertible.

The 2020 Bentley Continental GT is a $225,000 coupe propelled effortlessly by a 6-liter 12-cylinder engine with 626 horsepower. With all-wheel-drive and a well-developed suspension, it can conquer mountain curves or devour autobahns with its 207-mph top-speed – yet it’s still capable of getting 24 mpg on the highway.

The new Continental will also be available in a convertible (GTC) as well as a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 version.

The impressive Continentals join the popular Bentayga SUV as well as the Flying Spur and Mulsanne sedans in Bentley’s current offering of vehicles.

Bentley Dallas is part of the Park Place Premier Collection on Lemmon Avenue.

View Event Photos Here.

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

 

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The Land Rover Defender Moves Another Step Closer to Production

As Land Rover continues to evolve their model ranges across the world, a new model conquered another challenge this summer. The new Land Rover Defender successfully finished a daunting Tusk testing program in Kenya in support of their lion conservation initiatives in Africa.

A prototype model was specially outfitted with unique camouflage and a raised air intake to handle the Borana Conservancy. The Defender was put into real-world tests as wildlife managers maneuvered through rivers, pulled heavy loaded trailers, and encountered through difficult Kenyan terrain.

“We are now in the advanced stages of the new Defender’s testing and development phase. Working with our partners at Tusk in Kenya enabled us to gather valuable performance data,” Nick Collins, Jaguar Land Rover Vehicle Line Director said. The Borana reserve features a wide range of challenging environments, making it a perfect place to test to the extreme the all-terrain attributes of the new Defender.”

For 15 years, Land Rover has been an official partner of Tusk. Land Rover has assigned the Defender to work at the Borana Conservancy to highlight the critical situation faced by lions across Africa. 75% of the lion populations in Africa are in decline. Currently, the lion population has declined by over 180,000 within the last century.

“This year marks Tusk’s Year of the Lion. Our aim is to raise awareness of the alarming decline in lion populations across Africa,” said Tusk Chief Executive Charles Mayhew. “Fortunately, within the Borana Conservancy, there are a number of prides of lion and tracking and monitoring their movements across this vast and tough environment is vital in order to protect them and reduce any conflict with neighbouring communities. The new Defender took everything in its stride, from deep river wading to climbing rocky trails.”

For more information regarding the Tusk program visit https://www.tusk.org/.

The Defender is slated to make its global premiere later in 2019 and be available for sale at Park Place Land Rover DFW in 2020.

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Volvo Cars USA Launches Complimentary Tow for Life

Safety. The driver behind Volvo Cars’ strategy over the past few years was to provide their drivers and passengers alike with peace of mind on the road. This goes back to their goal of eliminating death or serious injury in a Volvo Car by 2020.

Now, they’ve taken safety to a whole new level of convenience by pledging complimentary Tow for Life, free of charge.

No matter the vintage, Volvo Cars USA  will now provide roadside towing as an expansion of their suite of complimentary services. Tow For Life works alongside Volvo Car Accident Advisor and the Volvo Lifetime Replacement Parts & Labor Warranty.

“Tow for Life ensures that in the event of a breakdown, help is on hand no matter the age of the vehicle,” said Scott Doering, Head of Customer Service for Volvo Car USA, “It’s a commitment to all our customers that cars will be taken to experts who use genuine Volvo parts and repair methods. This will get the customer back on the road faster and provide assurance that the repair was done right.”

If you’re under warrant, towing was already included as part of the roadside assistance. Now there is no additional fee to use Tow for Life for post-warranty customers.  Volvo customers can call for help through Volvo On-Call or via Volvo Customer Care at 1 (800) 550-5658. Vehicle tows that are initiated through these channels will have their tow to a local Volvo retailer covered under the program.

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The Porsche Taycan: Over 300 Miles of Supreme Performance Without A Drop of Gasoline

Update July 2019: Porsche has officially announced that the Mission E is now the Porsche Taycan, which translates to “lively young horse”, referencing the center of the Porsche crest.

“The new electric sports car is athletic and performance-oriented; a car that is capable of longer distances, and represents freedom”, explains Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. Here comes the first electric sports car with the soul of a Porsche.

The Future of Porsche Sportscars

The future of Porsche Sportscars looks absolutely stunning with the first ever purely electric sports car in the performance brand’s history showcasing a combination of revolutionary tech and a futuristic exterior- all while remaining true to the epic Porsche style of the past 70 years. The Porsche Mission E Concept project head, Stefan Weckbach, notes that Porsche expertise lies in the “complex, efficient, and high-performance powertrains” similar to the iconic and truly rare 918 Spyder or 919 Hybrid.

Performance and Powertrains:

Take one look at the Mission E Concept specs and it’s unmistakably a sportscar. The exterior shows futuristic elements and upgrades to the aesthetics without hiding the iconic Porsche proportions. As with Porsche sports cars, the technology used is based on motorsports tech. For example, the two PSMs (permanent magnet synchronous motors) propel the front and rear axles,  forward and conserve energy when braking are similar to those found in the 919 Hybrid that won Le Mans, one of the oldest endurance, sports car races.

The Mission E is a powerful concept with over 600hp that can go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, and further up to 124 mph in less than 12.

Dynamic Driving: Avoiding the Straight and Narrow

According to Porsche, the essence of Porsche is truly experienced driving down “winding roads” and hugging tight corners. The Mission E Concept candidly agrees with that assertion.  The specs show that the battery lies flat throughout the underbody to lower the sportscar’s center of gravity and enhance lateral dynamics. The even weight distribution achieves a balance between the front and rear of the concept car, allowing the all-wheel-drive system and Porsche Torque Vectoring to operate to their full potential.

What is Porsche Torque Vectoring: PTV Works to actively enhance vehicle dynamics and stability. Operating in conjunction with a rear differential lock, it works by intelligently braking the rear wheels as the situation demands. For the driver, this means strong resistance to destabilizing side forces, outstanding traction, and great agility at every speed – with precise turn-in and well-balanced load transfer characteristics. What else? Tremendous fun in the corners.

The Taycan is race track ready with an equipment closet containing an active suspension derived from the 911 chassis. According to Porsche.com, expectations are high for this full-electric sportscar concept to lap the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in less than 8 minutes.

What is the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring? A 150,000 person capacity motorsports complex located in Germany with four track configurations including the Nordschleife, which is 14.73 miles long. Porsche broke the lap record earlier this year with Timo Bernhard at the helm, clocking in at 5:19.55 driving a Porsche 919 Evo.

Everyday Practicality in 15 Minutes

Not only has Porsche doubled the standard charging voltage to 800 volts, but they have subsequently reduced the charging time. The Lithium-ion battery powers the car for more than 300 miles on a single charge, and only needs 15 minutes to recharge for 250 miles worth of range.  Appropriately called turbo-charging, the 800-volt technology will be installed in charging stations along German freeways.  But, do not fret if the 800-volt station isn’t available; the Mission E can be charged with the conventional 400-volt station or in its own garage.

The Taycan (formerly known as the Mission E concept) has two electric motors (1, 2). Its 800-volt powertrain enables short charging times and extended range. The lithium-ion battery (3) is integrated into the underbody, which improves weight distribution and also enables inductive charging. The conventional charging port is located in the front left fender (4) (taken from Porsche.com)

 

The Designer’s Dream

There has not been a Porsche created that doesn’t reflect the brand’s heritage, making it an instantly recognizable machine. Aptly deemed, “Thrillingly different, yet reassuringly familiar,” the Mission E Concept reflects that tradition with distinct innovations like integrated aerodynamics. Integrated air channels enhance airflow around the wheels to reduce excess pressure and the risk of lift. The new concept evokes memories of the 918 Spyder with its arrow-like front, the 911 with its distinctive front fenders, and the 911 GT3 RS with broad recess runs from the overlapping front hood over the roof.

What’s new? Even more discreet design. The Matrix LED headlights hover within the air intakes. The four points surround a flat sensor used for driver assistance systems, with a border that serves as a turn signal. The flow of surfaces is not disturbed by side mirrors; instead, cameras are mounted on the sides. The handles on the rear doors are integrated with the shell, and a continuous arc of red light connects the rear fenders with a back-lit Porsche insignia located below it in black glass.

Move inside, and the dashboard shows ingenuity based on the cockpit design of the very first 911. A passenger can activate the holographic display with the wave of the hand, while either the driver or the front passenger can operate the radio, navigation system, climate, phone, and apps in a touch-free form. Every played charades? Well this a game of intuitive gestures detected by sensors inside the Taycan.

With the Porsche Taycan, the future is electric…and fascinating, indeed.

 For more information visit Porsche.Com

For Park Place Porsche Inventory or Inquiries Visit ParkPlace.com

 

 

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Lexus Introduces 2020 LS 500 with Dramatic New Look

Color and emotion are uniquely tied together (check out our post on the Power of Color)  and the right shade or hue can elevate any already polished and luxe experience to a higher level. Cue the Lexus LS 500 Inspiration Series demonstrating the true power of color with a limited-production interior and exterior combo.

Only 300 units of this LS Inspiration series will be produced.                                        

 The 2020 LS 500 is set to arrive this fall, featuring a deep Garnet Color for the first time (see photos).  This is the fourth Inspiration Series vehicle from Lexus, but the LS 500 is the first sedan to have this exclusive treatment. The Deep Garnet exterior is a deep, metallic shade of red. 

To compliment this lustrous red are standard 20-inch wheels finished in Black Vapor Chrome. Similar to the body color, the wheels will catch the sunlight for a hint of glimmer, all while retaining a polished look that accentuates the elegant features of the LS.

Interior Details

The interior begins with standard White leather trim on the seats, center console, and door panels.  The dying process on the semi-analine leather gives a bright white contrast to the black dashboard, steering wheel and carpet. Kirko glass, origionally only available with the executive package, now comes standard in this limited-edition design as a trim on the door panels. 

LED dash lighting and Lexus puddle lamps welcome you at each door.

Coming this Fall

Like all 2020 LS 500s, the Inspiration Series is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers that develop 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. In RWD form, the LS 500 delivers a 0-60 time of 4.6seconds.The available AWD system features a TORSEN®limited-slip center differential to further enhance grip, traction and cornering stability.

Limited to just 300 units in the U.S., the 2020 LS 500 Inspiration Edition goes on sale this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Contact Your Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine for more information on all new models entering our showroom this year.

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McLaren GT Makes Appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Nearly two months after the worldwide debut of the McLaren GT, the new supercar made an appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom. Previously, the McLaren of Grand Tourers was revealed online May 15, 2019, with the official global debut happening in Dallas, Texas, with the help of Park Place Dealerships.

What a difference a year makes for McLaren. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2018, the high-performance brand announced their Track25 business plan in which McLaren set goals to invest nearly $1.5 billion in research and development to deliver 18 new cars or derivatives by the end of 2025.

During this year’s Goodwood Hill event on July 4th, the GT participated in supercar hill climb runs with fellow McLaren models including the 720S Spider, 600LT Spider, P1TM, Senna, and Senna GTR. The 600LT, 720S Spider, Senna GTR and GT were also the first four Track25 models to be released.

The McLaren of Grand Tourers is a superlight supercar supported by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine. The GT accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds and can provide a grand tour for two individuals.

Not only does the McLaren provide a super ride, but also super comfort with a variety of trim options, unique seating stylings, and ambiance enhancements.

For details on the new  McLaren GT, contact your McLaren Dallas or McLaren Houston dealers.

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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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Versatility By Design: The New Discovery Sport Design Highlights

It’s designed with your family’s needs in mind with an instantly recognizable design DNA.  The new model year sports a transformed interior, improved seating layout with 24 possible configurations, and the latest user-focused technology.

“Building on the success of the original Discovery Sport, this beautifully proportioned vehicle has been refined, enhancing its characterful exterior which complements the engaging nature of the interior space.” – Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer

Vehicle Highlights: 

  • 5+2 seating capabilities
  • 40:20:40 split-folding second-row seats for 24 different configurations
  • Electrified powertrains
  • Increased interior space for more adventures
  • Terrain Response 2 Technology 
  • Touch Pro infotainment with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging and 4G wifi hotspot

 

Trademark Design

The trademark Discovery design cues, including the clamshell bonnet, rising beltline, and tapered roof remain, but the new model is a bold exterior evolution. The proportions have been optimized to project a more striking visual with new signature LED headlamps at the front and rear, alongside a new front grille and bumpers.

Inside, the arrival of the digital Touch Pro infotainment system and the introduction of more premium materials throughout transforms the cabin to create a high quality yet practical space. New seats across each of the three rows provide improved comfort and versatility, thanks to the second row 40:20:40 split fold and slide functionality, boosting the possible number of seat combinations to 24 and covering every eventuality – be it the school run or a family holiday.

Designed with electrification in mind, the new Premium Transverse Architecture allows for the introduction of a new 48-volt mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain on Discovery Sport. First launched on the new Range Rover Evoque, the system uses an engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator to harvest energy normally lost during deceleration and stores it in an under-floor battery.

Technology 

The latest Discovery Sport is available with a ‘smart rearview mirror’ that transforms into a video screen at the flick of a switch to display what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. Offering a wider (50-degree) field of vision and superior visibility in low light conditions from a camera mounted above the rear window, the mirror ensures rear visibility is not compromised by second-row passengers or bulky items in the boot.

Wireless charging for compatible mobile devices is introduced for the first time within the lower center console, while a 4G WiFi hotspot, alongside USB and 12-volt connectivity points on every row, ensure passengers remain charged and connected. Second and third-row occupants also benefit from individual heating and ventilation controls to make the space more comfortable.

For regular drivers of the new Discovery Sport, Smart Settings uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn driver preferences, adjusting massage and seat positions, music and climate settings and steering column positioning to suit each driver.

Read the full Press-Release on how the Land Rover Discovery is Compact, Composed, Capable for your all-terrain family adventures. 

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Volvo and Uber Take Next Stops Towards Self-Driving Cars

After years of research and testing, Volvo Cars, a leader in automotive safety, and Uber, the leading ride-hailing firm, today present a jointly developed production car capable of driving by itself, the next step in the strategic collaboration between both companies.

Uber and Volvo Cars entered a joint engineering agreement in 2016 and have since developed several prototypes aimed at accelerating the companies’ self-driving car development. The Volvo XC90 SUV presented today is the first production car that in combination with Uber’s self-driving system is capable of fully driving itself.

The XC90 base vehicle is equipped with key safety features that allow Uber to easily install its own self-driving system, enabling the possible future deployment of self-driving cars in Uber’s network as an autonomous ridesharing service.

The most important features of Volvo Cars’ autonomous drive-ready production vehicle include several back-up systems for both steering and braking functions as well as battery back-up power. If any of the primary systems should fail for some reason, the back-up systems are designed to immediately act to bring the car to a stop. In addition to Volvo’s built-in back-up systems, an array of sensors atop and built into the vehicle are designed for Uber’s self-driving system to safely operate and maneuver in an urban environment.

When paired with Volvo’s vehicle platform, Uber’s self-driving system may one day allow for safe, reliable autonomous ridesharing without the need for a Mission Specialist, the specially trained Uber employees operating and overseeing the car in areas designated and suitable for autonomous drive.

The autonomous drive-capable production vehicle revealed today is part of Volvo Cars’ 2016 commercial agreement with Uber for the delivery of tens of thousands of autonomous drive-ready base cars in coming years.

“We believe autonomous drive technology will allow us to further improve safety, the foundation of our company,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. “By the middle of the next decade we expect one-third of all cars we sell to be fully autonomous. Our agreement with Uber underlines our ambition to be the supplier of choice to the world’s leading ride-hailing companies.”

“Working in close cooperation with companies like Volvo is a key ingredient to effectively building a safe, scalable, self-driving fleet,” said Eric Meyhofer, CEO of Uber Advanced Technologies Group. “Volvo has long been known for their commitment to safety, which is the cornerstone of their newest production-ready self-driving base vehicle. When paired with our self-driving technology, this vehicle will be a key ingredient in Uber’s autonomous product suite.”

Volvo Cars plans to use a similar autonomous base vehicle concept for the introduction of its future autonomous drive cars in the early 2020s. These technologies, to be introduced on the next generation of Volvo models based on the SPA2 vehicle architecture, will include features designed to enable unsupervised autonomous drive in clearly designated areas such as highways and ring roads.

Volvo Cars believes autonomous drive can generate significant potential road safety benefits for society as a whole when all cars are autonomous. Until that moment, the technology can offer customers a better driving experience by taking away mundane tasks such as stop-start driving in traffic jams.

Stay tuned to Volvo Media or the Park Place Blog as we receive updates on the latest technologies.