The Importance Of OEM Parts In Automotive Repair

Over the past few months, an important issue has come to light that concerns the safety of many Americans who have had their vehicles repaired in the last three years, utilizing non-oem replacement airbags. The following is an excerpt from a Fox News article with details about this concern, as well as an NHTSA video showing the potential dangers of these counterfeit airbags during testing.

“Only 0.1 percent of the U.S. vehicle fleet is believed to be affected, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a statement. But industry officials briefed by the government said tens of thousands of car owners may be driving vehicles with counterfeit air bags. NHTSA testing has shown most of the counterfeit bags don’t inflate or fail to inflate properly. In at least one case, a counterfeit bag fired shards of metal shrapnel on impact, the agency said.

NHTSA is asking car owners to check a government website, www.Safercar.gov, for information on how to contact a call center established by auto manufacturers to learn if their vehicle model is among those for which counterfeit air bags are known to have been made.”

To read the full article, along with a list of vehicles that may have been effected by these counterfeit airbags, click here to visit the FoxNews.com website.

Tags: Car Repair

Three Reasons To Choose Park Place BodyWerks For Collision Repair In Dallas/Ft. Worth

What makes Park Place Bodywerks superior to some of the other big chain, highly advertised body shop and collision repair centers out there? You know – the ones that insurance companies try to send all their repairs to? Competitors like Service King and Maaco? We’ve got the top three reasons to choose Park Place BodyWerks over the rest.

Number Three: A major difference that sets Park Place BodyWerks apart, is our state-of-the art equipment and technologically advanced facilities that the other shops don’t (or wont’) make the investment in, to insure that vehicles are returned back to factory specifications after a collision. We are held to a higher standard, because of our brands. And of course – we are certified to do repairs on all of them and more. Which brings us to….

Number Two: One more key advantage that we have that no independent shops have is our manufacturer training for all the brands we represent.  Each one of our brands are constantly putting out new models made with more and better technology as well as being made with newer and lighter and in many cases exotic materials.  We are at a distinct advantage to the independent shops since we get constant repair information updated direct from our manufacturers, and have the unique ability to send our technicians to the most current training available.

Number One: The number one difference is the quality of our members. We’re Experts in Excellence. And it’s not just a tagline. From the professionalism of our front office staff to the expertly trained technicians repairing the vehicles, you won’t find better talent than right here at Park Place to handle your collision claim.

Tags: Body Shop Dallas Tx, Body Shop Grapevine Tx, Dallas Collision Repair, Dallas Paint and Body, Grapevine Collision Repair, Grapevine Paint and Body

Dallas Storms Bring Major Dent Repairs On Local Vehicles

Dallas was hit hard by the storms this Tuesday. Tornadoes, major winds and huge, (even horizontal) wrecked buildings, yards and cars for several hours this week. As Dallas folks start to pick up pieces and clean up – insurance companies are busy too, with storm claims.

The same thing is happening in our business with hail damage repairs and windshield repairs. We expect our body shop to be extremely busy over the next few weeks. And, we just wanted to remind all of our clients (and anyone who needs help with their car or has an automotive insurance claim on their car) that we are here to help, now serving you from our Dallas Body Shop as well as our Grapevine Body Shop.

We offer full collision repair, and will walk you through the entire process start to finish. We’ll work with your insurance company, to make sure that your car will be as good as new. We also offer auto glass repair – using the finest quality equipment. We can replace your windshield or repair chipped glass.

Perhaps your car was not damaged extensively, ad only requires paintless dent repair. There are any dents we can fix without paint, sanding or extended stays at the body shop.

Call us or come by for more information – we are happy to help you!

Tags: Collision Repair, Dent Repair, Insurance Claims, paintless dent repair

Park Place BodyWerks Director Eric McKenzie Works To Overcome Body Shop Industry Reputation

When Eric McKenzie arrived at Park Place Bodywerks in Dallas, Texas, to be the body shop director, cycle time at the luxury-brand dealership shop was an astounding 60 days and the collision center was not profitable.

“I was blown away, I couldn’t believe it,” McKenzie says of the shape the shop was in when he started five years ago.

But within one year, using his industry knowledge, financial acumen and management skills, McKenzie helped drop cycle time to 20 days and profits soared to nearly $2.2 million, with annual revenues of about $18 million. Customer service index (CSI) scores increased from around 80 percent to 97 percent. Revenue has grown steadily since, and the dealership recently opened a second shop in Grapevine, Texas.

Read the full article on FenderBender.com

Tags: Body Shop, BodyWerks, Collision Center, Park Place Body Shop

Congratulations to Park Place BodyWerks – Nominated A-List Best of Dallas

Park Place BodyWerks is thrilled to have been nominated a second year in a row for Dallas A-List Best of Dallas (CityVoter and WFAA’s annual best of local business competition.) Last year we ranked #3 out of 19 nominees, and we want to WIN this year! But we need your help!

Please click here to vote now for Park Place BodyWerks. It doesn’t take but a minute, and you won’t be spammed. You’ll have the opportunity to vote for other great local businesses too in several categories.

At Park Place BodyWerks (now with new location in Grapevine, Texas!) you know you’re getting the best collision repair for your vehicle. We work hard to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience – as well as expert service. Our body shop facilities are top-of-the line, and manufacturer certified. But what sets us apart is our people. We have factory-trained technicians and estimators – who do things the Park Place way.

Tags: Dallas Body Shop, Dallas Collision Repair, Factory Certified Collision Repair, Grapevine Body Shop, Grapevine Collision Repair, Park Place BodyWerks

Auto Repair Shops Versus Insurance Companies

Auto repair facilities and body/collision repair shops all over the United States are working hard to to end insurance-controlled prices and preferred business requirements through legislature in Massachusetts and Iowa – and allow customers more of a choice in where they receive repairs.

Who should decide prices for auto body repair? Is it the facility itself – who receives training in how to properly restore a car that’s been victim of a collision? Who truly understands the time it takes to perform repairs and the cost and importance of genuine OEM parts? Or, is it the insurance company’s job to police these fees and make sure that these repair facilities receive a specific set amount? Insurance companies feel they have enough experience with auto repair facilities that they know who does the best repairs for the best price.

Of course – everyone is in business to profit.  Auto repair facilities claim that in fact, insurance companies should NOT decide pricing. The argument is that insurance companies, in the effort to save money – are forcing body shops to do repairs at specific set amounts of time (even though one job might take longer than another – each project – at least for us – is subjective); and they are also often asked to use substandard, non-OEM and even used parts. Since reputable body shop or collision facilities generally refuse to do this, business is directed to shops that will use substandard parts and adhere to insurance guidelines. Certainly, laws and prices vary by state, but repair shops say if they don’t charge what insurance companies decide are fair prices, they lose business and that unless they are on the ‘preferred’ partner list of the insurance company, then the business goes elsewhere.

What does the consumer feel?  See below for an excerpt from USA Today:

Some consumers disagree. About a year ago, Kris Weaver hit a deer with her red pickup. She says she took the vehicle to O’Mara Auto Body in Martensdale, Iowa, a company she had used and trusted. The truck needed a new bumper, license plate mounting, grille and air conditioning condenser

Tom O’Mara, the body shop owner, estimated repairs would cost $1,330. When O’Mara sent the invoice to AAA, the company reimbursed him $1,187. That left Weaver with a $143 out-of-pocket bill.

“It was just a continual battle,” said Weaver, adding she fought until the difference between the total cost and the coverage plus deductible was $25. AAA is an association of clubs across the U.S., and policies vary by club, said Cindy Brough, a spokeswoman for AAA

For more on this debate and the legislature read the entire article on USA Today.

Tags: Auto Repair, Body Shop, Collision Repair, Insurance Claim

Park Place Motorcars Dallas Sponsors SHINE, and is the featured automotive partner of the Black Tie Dinner

Park Place Motorcars Dallas was proud to sponsor SHINE, The 2011 Black Tie Dinner which celebrated its 30 Anniversary this year. Park Place is the featured automotive partner of the Black Tie Dinner which was held Saturday, November 12, 2011.

Each year, Black Tie Dinner selects up to 20 North Texas beneficiaries to receive dinner proceeds as well as the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the Dinner’s national beneficiary. To date, Black Tie Dinner has raised over $15 million. Black Tie Dinner, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

This year over $130,000 was raised from the Park Place Motorcars donation of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sport Coupe through raffle ticket sales. Lucky winner, Paul VandVyver, should have a very happy holiday season running around in the all-new C Coupe!

Tags: Charity, Donations, Mercedes-Benz Dallas, Sponsorships

World Famous Photographer Rankin Inspired By Rolls-Royce

It’s not just a hood ornament. It’s the Spirit of Ecstasy, Rolls-Royce’s signature marque, and perhaps the world’s most elegant and well-known automotive icon. And this year, she is celebrating her 100th birthday. Rolls-Royce enlisted the artistic photographic style of world-famous photographer/artist Rankin to capture the centenarian with style.

Rankin has shot famous figures from all over the world, and has produced powerful and iconic images for over twenty years. He is most known for unique and creative portraits and ability to capture character of his famous (and even the non-famous) subjects. He’s shot celebs and pop icons such as Madonna, high-fashion models including Kate Moss and royalty and politicians – and has been featured in nearly every major magazine. Beyond high-fashion, he’s also well-known for capturing ordinary people, and showcasing his subjects (and subject matter) that is has meaning – and sometimes controversy – for him.

Rolls-Royce‘s Spirit of Ecstasy will be featured at his newest exhibit, showcased at the Rankin Gallery in Los Angeles. On display from November 16 to the 23, Rankin’s interpretation and tribute to the legendary lady are quite beautiful – modern and graceful. The collection utilizes various materials, including flowing fabrics and natural elements such as sand, or even negative space – as well as various models (mixing age and ethnicity) – to really show several variations of the flying lady.

Tags: Rankin, Rolls-Royce, Spirit of Ecstasy

Park Place BodyWerks Now Offering Collision and Paint Repair In Grapevine Texas

BodyWerks, Park Place’s exclusive body shop, and collision/paint repair facility – has now opened in Grapevine. Now, there are two locations to serve you, one in Dallas and one in Grapevine.

Park Place BodyWerks is a certified auto repair and paint & body shop facility  – certified to service the world’s best-known luxury brands.

With our state-of-the-art automotive repair and auto body shops now in Dallas and Grapevine – we can now provide you with the first class service and experience that you have come to associate with Park Place Dealerships – in two separate parts of the metroplex.

We’ll work with your insurance to ensure a smooth repair process.

You can expect more from BodyWerks than from an auto repair shop. We offer a variety of services in Dallas and Grapevine including:

• Collision repair and refinishing
• Custom paint
• Structure repair and frame straightening
• Custom body kits
• Paintless dent repair
• Full detailing
• Free shuttle service

Tags: Body Shop, Body Shop Dallas, Body Shop Grapevine, Collision Repair, Paint and Body, Park Place, Park Place BodyWerks