Park Place Dealerships

April 20, 2016

Rolls-Royce Dawn Wins “Luxury Car of the Year”

The Rolls-Royce Dawn has earned BBC Top Gear Magazine’s coveted 2016 ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ award. The most uncompromised open-top motoring experience in the world, Dawn has won plaudits from some of the most highly respected international commentators, with many declaring that the new Rolls-Royce redefines the notion of a true super-luxury drophead.

Dawn, the fourth distinctive model in the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars family, is powered by an effortlessly smooth 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine and features a multi-layer foldaway fabric roof that, when in place, makes the Dawn the world’s quietest convertible car. Addressing the desires of a significantly younger customer base, Dawn delivers timeless refinement and is the most social car the marque has ever produced.

Naming Dawn its Luxury Car of the Year, Top Gear Magazine wrote: ‘Take the world of high-end goods. Sure, you can splash a few grand on a posh smart watch if you’re suitably inclined, but the market for intricate, mechanically wound chronometers that are less accurate is worth millions more. Would you rather wear shoes tailored by a hyper-sensitive 3D printer or a Jermyn Street cobbler? That’s why the Dawn is 2016’s finest example of automotive opulence. Why should every car be kneecapped by its cold, hard numbers? “Quality remains long after the price is forgotten.” Quite right, Sir Henry.’

Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, commented, “Dawn represents the most glamorous expression of Rolls-Royce luxury in history. It is the product of the uncompromising commitment to delivering perfection that informs every one of the 1,600 highly skilled men and women employed at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. To be recognised by Top Gear and the rest of the world’s media in such glowing terms is truly gratifying to everyone concerned with our marque.”

To order the Rolls-Royce Dawn or for more information on this or other Rolls-Royce models, please contact:

Malcolm Gage at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

April 19, 2016

2016 Lexus RX Named to Ward’s ’10 Best Interiors’ List

The all-new 2016 Lexus RX has earned a spot on Ward’s highly regarded annual “10 Best Interiors” list. “Open the door to the new RX, slide into the driver’s seat and the reasons for its dominance among luxury utility vehicles are evident in the impeccable fit-and-finish, the satin brushed-aluminum trim, the form-fitting seats and the richly finished Espresso Walnut wood that curves gently up from the center console toward the glovebox,” said WardsAuto Senior Editor Tom Murphy.

“But the RX is much more than a luxury experience, never seeming to forget its utilitarian purpose. Second-row seats are spacious and comfortable, and they fold nearly flat, exposing a massive cargo hold to accommodate at least a dozen flats of gardenias for hauling home from the nursery.”

The 2016 Lexus RX is the latest generation of the best-selling midsize luxury CUV that defined its segment when it was launched, and continues to be Lexus’ No.1 seller. From its inception, the Lexus RX has proved immensely popular with those needing the flexibility of a sport-utility vehicle combined with the driving comfort of a luxury sedan, all wrapped in an attractive, elegant package.

“Since the RX was first introduced nearly 18 years ago, it has been the leader in its segment,“ said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager, Lexus. “Now in its fourth generation, we’re extremely honored to have the 2016 RX’s interior recognized by the experts at Ward’s. The team who worked on this all-new iteration put a tremendous amount of effort into keeping its luxurious character intact while maintaining a balance of functionality and comfort. This award recognizes their amazing attention to detail, which can be seen in every facet of the interior.”

To be eligible for the list, vehicles must have interiors that are all-new or significantly redesigned for the U.S. market, and are evaluated on materials, ergonomics, safety, comfort, value and fit-and-finish.

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 13, 2016April 13, 2016

Bentley GT Speed Black Edition

Bentley is introducing the Continental GT Speed Black Edition which celebrates the rich and striking depth of the GT’s sporting character. Available for both coupe and convertible, the customers’ choice of body color is complimented by a high gloss black finish to the exterior brightware, including the window openings and lamp bezels.
All-black 21” five-spoke directional wheels cover distinctive brake calipers, which can be specified in red or black finishes. To add a further unique and striking twist, the Black Edition also features contrast colors to the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser in four different shades: Hallmark, Beluga, St James Red and a new shade, Cyber Yellow. Customers can also choose to color-match the door mirrors as a final exterior accent.

Inside, the mix of dark tones and vivid highlights continues. Carbon fiber adorns the fascia, center and roof consoles to create a dark opulent ambiance while a dedicated Black Edition color split sees the seats and center console bordered by contrasting leather, available in Porpoise, Beluga, Pillar Box Red or new Cyber Yellow to match the exterior styling accents. Corresponding contrast stitching accentuates the diamond quilting of the doors and Mulliner GT Design seats.

“We have developed the GT Speed Black Edition to meet demand from customers for a model in the Continental line that offers both increased sporting capabilities and instantly recognizable styling cues. The Black Edition has a subtle but purposeful look that is backed up by exceptional performance,” said Paul Jones, Product Line Director for Continental GT.

It takes 110 hours to handcraft each and every Continental GT at the Bentley factory in Crewe, Cheshire. The upgraded W12 engine applied to all Continental GT Speed models is entirely assembled by 30 dedicated Bentley colleagues over 12½ hours. Meanwhile, the sumptuous and technically complex unique interiors are handcrafted by the experts in Bentley’s Leather and Trim workshop. Each hide is carefully checked by hand and eye before being stitched, shaped and finished entirely by hand, rivalling the quality of the finest furniture and precise tolerances of jewelry and watch craftsmanship.

To order the new Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition or for more information, please contact:
Malcolm Gage at Bentley Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

April 12, 2016April 13, 2016

Bentley Launches New GT Speed

Bentley unveiled the revised Continental GT Speed, raising the bar even further in terms of exclusivity and performance. The fastest production Bentley ever, with a top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h), now delivers even more power and torque.

Engineers at Bentley in Crewe have developed even more muscle from the Continental’s iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. The GT Speed now produces 642 PS – up from 635 PS – and 20 Nm of extra torque, bringing its total to a forceful 840 Nm. This additional torque is applied through the entire rev range via careful reoptimisation of boost control, raising the Grand Tourer’s renowned “torque plateau” of continuous maximum torque delivery from 2,000-5,000 rpm, and bringing even greater acceleration performance. As a result, the 0-60 mph sprint time has dropped to just 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 secs).

The new Bentley GT Speed is available to order now at Bentley Dallas.

To order the new Bentley Continental GT Speed or for more information, please contact:
Malcolm Gage at Bentley Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

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 7, 2016

Lexus Leather Dress

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

April 7, 2016April 7, 2016

Autotrader’s 2016 Must Test Drive Award Goes To…

…the all new 2016 Volvo XC90.
The XC90 sets the standard in virtually every category: style, technology, safety, comfort and equipment. It’s also surprisingly well-priced for a luxury SUV.
Autotrader highlights new vehicles that car shoppers should pay attention to – and experience from the driver’s seat. Experience the award-winning Volvo XC90 at Park Place Volvo.

For more information about the Volvo XC90 or other models, please contact:

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

April 7, 2016April 18, 2016

Volvo XC90: All the Attention, All the Awards

Volvo’s relentless quest to make the safest, most luxurious car in its class has been recognized. And we’re honored. The all-new Volvo XC90 has been named a 2016 AUTOMOBILE All-Star by the experts at AUTOMOBILE magazine, and collected more awards from three other publications. This brings the global number of awards the XC90 has received to more than 110, including being named Motor Trend’s 2016 SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year.

“We are extremely proud to call the all-new XC90 an AUTOMOBILE All-Star, and to be recognized by so many other independent experts,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO, Volvo Car USA. “Accolades from such prominent publications give owners the confidence they are driving something truly great. They also mean a lot to everyone at Volvo.”

The XC90 was also named Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for Families by U.S. News and World Report; Best Luxury SUV by the Daily News; and the Autobytel Luxury SUV/Crossover of the Year. “The XC90 is unquestionably one of the best SUVs to come along in years, a true All-Star if there ever was one,” said Mike Floyd, editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE. “It’s easy to see why it’s won so many awards – it’s that good.”

Redesigned from the ground up, the 2016 Volvo XC90 carries forward the full-size SUV torch for Volvo, the 89-year-old Swedish automaker known for building some of the safest passenger vehicles available. The elegantly styled XC90 is available with several powerful and efficient powertrains – from a 250- horsepower turbocharged engine to a 400-horsepower, plug-in hybrid that can propel seven-passengers to 60 MPH in about five seconds.

Inside, the XC90 features Volvo’s Sensus control system, which is centered around a lag-free, 9.3-inch tablet-like touchscreen that incorporates most vehicle controls, including Apple CarPlay, and eliminates nearly all buttons and switches.

Like all new Volvos the XC90 also features Intellisafe, a full suite of active and passive safety technologies designed to protectwhat’s important to owners. And with semi-autonomous driving features like Pilot Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control the XC90 is ready for life in the twenty-first century. Together these features and functions are helping Volvo realize Vision 2020, which states that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car.

For more information about the Volvo XC90 or other models, please contact:

Donny Lambrecht, at Park Place Volvo, (214) 956-5516, DLambrecht@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