Avondale’s name derives from the cross street at Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas where Schnitzer founded the company in 1987 with one Mercedes-Benz store.
“We created the Avondale Group to take personalized client interaction to the next level,” Schnitzer said in a statement. “This elevated experience is a part of every touch point, regardless of how a client wants to purchase or service a vehicle.”
The new group includes Mercedes-Benz Grapevine, Porsche Grapevine, Sprinter Grapevine and the Premier Collection, which features Aston Martin Dallas, Bentley Dallas, Koenigsegg, McLaren Dallas, Maserati Dallas and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas. The company also operates a subscription service, now branded Avondale Select.
When the acquisition was announced last year, Schnitzer said the decision to sell most of his portfolio wasn’t easy, and that he planned to keep his hand in the automotive industry by retaining two stores and a body shop in Grapevine, Texas.
Schnitzer will be chairman of the new group, which will be based in Grapevine. Neil Grossman, who was Park Place’s CEO, is now Avondale’s CEO, and Hesham Elgaghil, formerly Park Place’s chief strategy officer, will be president. Avondale employs 350 people and is hiring in sales, service, parts, support and at its collision center, Avondale Collision & Repair, Schnitzer said.
“We have a great infrastructure with processes already in place for our team to take care of clients,” he said in the statement. “We know hiring people that have a heart to serve others is the key to creating a great organization, so we will take our time to fill positions with candidates that fit that criteria as we grow.”
