Looking for a fun summer road trip?  Have you heard of the Great River Road? You don’t have to look too far in this area for a trip full of scenic beauty, culture, history, and recreation.  Runde Auto Group would like to suggest possibly travelling the Great River Road at making that part of your summer or early autumn vacation. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway passes through the Tri-State area following the course of the Mississippi River. The 3,000 mile road travels from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico and takes about 36 hours of straight [...]

The fifth annual Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is right around the corner and Runde Auto Group is proud to be a title sponsor! Only 115 shorts, features, and documentaries were selected to be shown at this year’s festival, April 21-24 in downtown Dubuque. They were chosen out of more than 625 submissions in a selection process that spanned several months. “Each film was watched at least 10 times by members of our selection committee,” said Susan Gorrell, executive director of the festival. “The quality of this year’s entries impressed us all and we are thrilled to show the Official Selections at this year’s festival.” The films represent more than 60 countries.

Check out Buick’s latest offering: the fun and sporty 2016 Buick Cascada! This luxury convertible has a fast-retracting soft top, a rear-vision camera, and plenty of comfort, convenience, and safety features. “The new, 2016 Buick Cascada is a beautiful, engaging convertible that represents the very best of the brand’s global development practices,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick, in a press release. “It’s a car that will delight customers.” With the spirited performance of a 1.6L 200-HP turbocharged engine, the all-new Cascada expresses the pure fun of driving a convertible. Wondering how to pronounce it? Cahs-cah-da!  And if you’re interested in purchasing on, please contact the sales staff at Runde Buick in Platteville. Advanced technologies like Available Forward Collision Alert sense vehicles ahead of you and alerts you with both an audible and visual [...]

The Dubuque area recently came together to make a HUGE donation of water to Flint! Resources Unite in Dubuque, a non-profit organization, facilitated a water drive for the Michigan city, which is in a public health state of emergency due to its contaminated water supply. Over the last month, cases and pallets of water came pouring in from local businesses, individuals, and organizations. They hoped to collect 1,000 cases, but ended up with more than 19,000! That is 459,648 bottles! Runde Chevrolet near Dubuque was proud to help the cause by providing our Runde Community Support Truck while Resources Unite in Dubuque collected cases of water 

Jacynda Smith, inventor and designer of the TYME Iron, picked up her new new Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque yesterday! She was here with her husband Dan, and children Ariya, 9, and Taegin, 6. The Smiths are customers from Bellevue, Iowa and they were very excited to pick up their New Chevy from Runde’s. The Tyme Iron is a tool that can be used to curl and straighten hair by just changing the angle that it is glided from the root to tip of your hair. It makes curling hair faster than using a traditional curling iron. “I used to curl my hair with a flat iron,” Jacynda said. “I tried to teach people but it was really hard for [...]

The all new Chevy Malibu is turning heads at Runde Chevrolet near Dubuque! The Malibu sedan, which is available at our Chevy store near Dubuque, has a new body style that makes it both sporty and sleek at the same time. The vehicle has windswept body lines and an agile stance, along with eye-catching available LED daytime running lamps and available LED tail lamps. Inside, the all new Chevy Malibu is equipped for your life. It offers available wireless charging for your phone, available built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi, available steering wheel mounted controls, and available Apple Carplay and Android Auto Compatibility. Under the hood, the Malibu has a turbocharged 1.5L Ecotec engine and offers up to 37 MPG highway! Safety is of the upmost [...]

Runde Auto Group in Manchester, Iowa, is excited to welcome a new salesperson to its staff: Mike Visnapuu! Mike, who lives in Epworth, has worked in engineering and in the car business in the past. “Cars have always been something I have been into – ever since I was old enough to turn a wrench,” Mike said. “My all-time favorite is the ’66 Chevelle SS396. As for new vehicles, I like the Dodge Chargers and Challengers.” In his spare time, Mike Visnapuu likes to ride dirt bikes, be outside as much as possible, and spend time with his family. He and his wife Kristy have a 4-year-old daughter Emmalyn and a 14-month old son Mason. He is from the Cedar Rapids area. Mike is looking forward to [...]

Liza Pancho brought her pink Chevy Camaro in for vehicle service at Runde Auto Group today and gave us some of her time as she talked to us for a spell about her car.  Liza once thought she was getting pulled over by a police officer in Dubuque to be given a ticket. Instead, the officer asked if he could take photos of her pink Chevy Camaro. It’s a vehicle that attracts plenty of attention — a pink Chevy Camaro 2LS Coupe. “He wanted to get a picture because his daughter likes pink cars,” Liza said. Liza purchased the Camaro from Runde Chevrolet in white, and then had it painted with a temporary coating called Plasti Dip. “That’s my favorite color, [...]

The all-new 2016 Camaro has arrived at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque!  Our Chevy sales staff had been waiting patiently for the transport carrying this Camaro to show up.  We were told that the driver accidentally took a wrong turn and headed across the river over to Dubuque before he realized, “Hey, this is supposed to be dropped off in East Dubuque.” Read more about the new design here: http://www.chevrolet.com/2016-camaro/ Stop by and check it out in person!

On any normal weekday, the Runde Chevrolet Service Department might see and do business with over 100 customers.  But our favorite kind of customers … and the ones who never fail to put a smile on our faces … are the ones of the shorter varietal … namely kiddos … especially ones who love learning about cars.  Seriously, there is something about kids that can just turn a negative into a positive and brighten someone’s day in a heartbeat.   This happened today as a routine oil change became a learning experience for three children at Runde Chevrolet. Tony Thier, of Dubuque, had Sophie, Stella, and Henry with him when he stopped by for a routine oil change on their Chevy Suburban. Tony asked their service writer, [...]

Runde GMC in Platteville is proud to welcome Tim Vodak to its sales staff!  If you’ve never been to the Runde GMC store, it’s one of the largest GMC dealers of Dubuque and the surrounding areas.  It’s about 15 minutes down Highway 151 and when you get into town, it’s located right on the main strip of dealerships … about 1/2 mile west of the Walmart.  Runde’s offers new GMC, Buick. and Chevrolet vehicles.  Over the past few years the GMC brand has really become popular and of course with more foot traffic and shoppers passing through Runde’s, we saw a need to add another salesperson. Our newest GMC salesperson was born and raised in Platteville and has a degree in Business Administration in Sales and Marketing. “I [...]

The most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup truck on the road, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, is currently available for sale at Runde Chevrolet in Platteville, WI. “The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado will build on the Chevy truck legacy of dependability,” said Sandor Piszar, marketing director for Chevrolet trucks, in a press release. “New muscular front end designs, sculpted hoods and signature LED lighting accents reflect Silverado’s strength and dependability, which have helped make Silverado the fastest-growing full-size pickup brand this year.” Other changes for 2016 Chevrolet Silverado half ton will include the expanded use of 8-speed automatic transmissions, updated technologies, and additional safety features. “Our strategy is pretty simple,” said Piszar in a press release. “Build trucks that meet the real needs of truck customers. The right [...]

Dubuque business owner, Eddie Severns, of Dubuque picked up a new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Dbl Cab today at Runde Chevrolet! Eddie co-owns RF2 Furniture Warehouse with his wife Rebecca.  They plan to use his truck for hauling small items for their Dubuque business. He was pleased with the price he was able to get at Runde Auto Group. “When you open a small business, every dollar counts,” he said. RF2 Furniture Warehouse, located at 900 Jackson Street, Suite 112 in Dubuque, features furniture, home decorations, and home accent pieces. They opened about a year and a half ago. “We are a Dubuque business situated in the Millwork District,” he said. “There are a lot of cool things happening over there.” Eddie liked the white color of his new truck, as [...]

  For the fifth year, Chevrolet is hosting its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign to help to finish the fight against breast cancer!  For anyone who has either had experience with this type of cancer or anyone who has a love one that has gone through it, you know how worthwhile of a cause this is.  Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is not just any ordinary fundraising campaign as all proceeds will go directly to research to help find a cure for this ailment that has haunted us for such a long time. Chevy will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society (up to $500,000) for every post during October with the hashtag #IDriveFor on Twitter or Instagram! Want to participate? Stop by Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque and get a picture with our photo frame, noting a person you drive for! You can post it, or we can post it for you!  Check us out at [...]

Do you remember purchasing your first car?  It’s definitely a memorable experience for all with emotions running at an all-time high for a teenager or 20-something.  Chances are your first car probably wasn’t a Chevy Cruze and in all likeliness, you probably didn’t buy your first car from your college roommate. Benjamin Fornek from Moline, IL is the exception.  He just bought his first new car from his college roommate!  Crazy eh? He stopped by Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque today to pick up his 2015 Chevy Cruze ECO from salesperson Jacob Puls, who went to Augustana College with him. This was Benjamin’s first new car. “My really, really old truck started to fall apart,” he said. “Jacob started talking to me about lease [...]

Runde Chevrolet acquired a new Dubuque Chevy Sonic customer today, but this one came from overseas via a proxy … a very proud proxy.  Alex Scharnhorst is in the Middle East, but that didn’t stop him from getting a vehicle from Runde Auto Group! His parents, Dave and Lisa Scharnhorst, stopped into Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque today to pick up their son’s new 2015 Chevy Sonic. “He got it, we are just kind of the proxies,” Lisa said, explaining that their 20-year-old son is overseas with the military so they are picking up his vehicle for when he comes home in December. Lisa brought along “Flat Alex,” a stick with a photo of her son on each side. [...]

Nathan Miller, his younger brother Matt Miller, and their father Dan Miller are all driving new Chevy Cruze sedans from Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque, Illinois. They all decided to lease new vehicles from salesperson John Riley in the last 10 days. “It all started when my younger brother’s timing chain broke on his Chevy Cavalier in the driveway,” Nathan said. Matt shopped around and ended up leasing a 2015 Chevy Cruze 1LT from John Riley at Runde Auto Group. Then it was a domino effect: Dan leased a 2015 Chevy Cruze 1LT, and since the water pump on Nathan’s 1999 Honda Civic needs to be replaced, he decided to lease a 2015 Cruze Eco. Nathan likes the looks of the Cruze, [...]

What: Inaugural Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce’s Bacon-N-Hops Festival When: 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 Where: Corner of E. Main  and S. Tama St. in Manchester, IA Runde Auto Group is a proud sponsor of the inaugural Bacon-N-Hops Festival on Saturday, Aug. 29 in Manchester, IA! Hosted by the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature plenty of bacon, Iowa craft and domestic beers, life-size Jenga, a mug-holding contest, bacon-eating contest, car cruise displays, beer brewing demonstrations, life-size beer pong, live music, and more! “It will be a fun time,” said said event chair and chamber administrative assistant Doris Sherman. “You won’t be disappointed and will get a lot for your money.” There will be 15-20 vendors, including Manchester’s Franklin Street Brewing Company and the Delaware County MADCO Brewers, [...]

Andrea’s father, Donald, buys vehicles from Runde’s and recommended Runde salesperson. “He said that Runde’s always takes good care of him and that everyone up there is super nice,” Andrea said. So Andrea Gates, of Cedar Rapids, IA, stopped by Runde PreDriven this week to get a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado K2500HD LT1 Crew 4WD! She purchased the vehicle to be driven by Baker Holdings Company. Her father works for them and has a mini fleet within the company pulling flatbeds all over the country. She is starting her own mini fleet. “I will be the owner of the truck and someone else will be driving it,” Andrea said. “This is my first truck I’ll be having with them.” Depending on how this goes, Andrea said there is a chance she will buy more. She said the [...]

Runde Chevrolet is a sizable Chevy dealer serving Galena, IL.  Runde’s sells a lot of vehicles to customers from Galena, IL and the surrounding area year after year.  However, it’s not very often that we sell a new Corvette so there is always a buzz throughout the dealership when a local customers comes in to sign for and drive away in their new Vette.   Cletus and Candy Saam, of Galena, IL are no strangers to Runde Chevrolet as they’ve bought cars and trucks here for many years.  They’ve practically owned every model that Chevrolet produces over the years.  The only one I can think of that they haven’t bought from Runde’s is a Chevy Traverse.   Basically, [...]

Theresa Ernst is Runde’s newest Dubuque Chevy customer.  She came in today and treated herself a wonderful birthday present: a brand new Chevy Equinox from Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque!   You may say to yourself, “Hey, she looks really familiar.”  Well if you’ve ever bought gas from or shopped at the KwikStar on John F. Kennedy Road in Dubuque, you probably recognize her as she’s worked there for several years now. Her new front wheel drive Chevrolet Equinox was ready and waiting for her with a red bow on the hood. This was the first vehicle this Dubuque Chevy customer has ever purchased from Runde Auto Group and she quickly discovered why Runde’s is considered by most the best dealership in [...]

Zach High recently found the perfect truck at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque: a 2010 Chevy Silverado K1500 4WD Extended Cab! The East Dubuque resident bought it from his longtime friend, salesperson Jacob Puls.  It’s definitely a perk when one of your best friends is on the sales staff at Runde’s. “It went smoothly and he knew what he was talking about,” Zach said. “He understood what I ultimately wanted and he told me exactly what to expect at Runde’s.”   Zach was looking for a reliable vehicle with four-wheel drive and low mileage. He said it will be great for day-to-day driving but he likes that it has the capability for hauling when the need arises. Being a local, Zach didn’t need to [...]

University of Wisconsin-Platteville hosts Program for Local Kids Runde Auto Group is a proud sponsor of College for Kids and Middle University, July 6-9 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Started in 1982, the program offers regional students the opportunity to take hands-on classes created just for them at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus. “College for Kids and Middle University expose children to science, technology, engineering, and math through exciting, hands-on projects and courses,” said Kerie Wedige, Community Education Program Manager at U-WP. “Learning in a fun and friendly environment like our camp can spark a lifelong interest in learning.” Students from kindergarten to 7th grade have plenty to choose from, with classes covering topics like chemistry, dinosaurs, art, the solar system, insects, woodworking, pioneers, popcorn, painting, gardening, acting, and more. More than 150 children are signed up this year! “This year we have had an outpouring of support from local service organizations,” Kerie said. “Currently 14 scholarships have been awarded [...]

Donald Gates purchased his fifth truck this year from Runde Auto Group yesterday and after signing for his new trucks, he took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to be interviewed for the Runde blog! The Central City, IA, resident stopped by Runde PreDriven yesterday and bought three Silverados: two 2013 Chevrolet 2500s and a 2012 Chevrolet 2500. Those were in addition to the two he purchased earlier this year. Donald works for Baker Holdings and has a mini fleet within the company pulling flatbeds all over the country. “In this business, diesels are a must because of the weight you are pulling and you always have a good selection of those,” he said. “I’ve bought all 5 from Runde Auto Group,” Donald said. “I’m very happy with Runde’s. You guys do a [...]

We are excited to welcome our newest salesperson at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque, Jacob Puls!  He joined our team recently after completing his college degree. Jacob is the great grandson of founder Alfred Runde, thus a fourth generation Runde. He will be starting his career as a personal sales assistant to Tim Runde. Jacob recently graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a double major in Finance and Marketing, along with a minor in Economics.  Jacob loves sports and played football along side his twin brother Jared for four years at Augustana. “I am a huge football fan and I love college basketball, but also enjoy watching the Blackhawks and Cubs,” he said. “I have been a Fighting Illini fan since my grandfather Paul Runde introduced me to them when I was a young kid and really follow the football and basketball teams closely. Besides that I enjoy spending time with my [...]