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Runde Auto Group Blog

Runde News, Industry Updates & Tri-State Happenings

The Red Basket Project will host a product drive at the three Hy-Vee locations in Dubuque on Saturday, Aug. 14  2021.  The event, set for 8 a.m. to noon, will encourage shoppers to pick up products for the Dubuque-based nonprofit while in the store and then hand them to volunteers on their way out.  “We want to make donating as simple as possible,” said Lidia Bertolini, chair of group’s Event Committee. “What better way than to include it as part of your grocery trip?” Volunteers will staff each Hy-Vee entrance the day of the drive and hand shoppers a list of products – complete with aisle numbers – that would most benefit the nonprofit’s work. A red truck, provided by Runde Auto Group, will be stationed at each Hy-Vee to collect donations. Established in 2016, The Red Basket Project provides period products to those who need them. Donations of tampons, pads, sanitary wipes, liners, and [...]

Chevy Equinox: What’s New in 2022

2022 model features new exterior colors and new grille design
The 2022 Chevy Equinox is now available at Runde Auto Group! The ever-popular SUV got a bit of a refresh for the 2022 model year, with a new grille design, new LED headlamps, and new front and rear fascia. This also marks the debut of the first-ever Equinox RS trim level, a sportier offering that features black bowtie emblem and badging, black mesh grille, black window surround, 19-inch Dark Android wheels, black side rails, and a black interior with red stitching. The Premier trim level offers a black grille with chrome inserts, new available 19-inch wheel design, logo-projection liftgate, specific interior trim finish and French stitching. There will be new interior [...]

Harrison Runde Dives into the Family Business

Great-grandson of Alfred Runde will sell vehicles at Runde Chevrolet
Harrison Runde
In 1927, Alfred Runde opened the East Dubuque Garage in downtown East Dubuque. Fast forward 94 years and his great-grandson, Harrison Runde, is taking a seat at the table in the family business, which has since expanded to include four car dealerships. Harrison, who graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Business Management, is starting his career as a salesperson and assistant to his father, Greg Runde. While attending school, Harrison dabbled in the dealership’s washrack, IT, service and parts departments. “What made me want to get into sales was it was something I’ve never really done before, and I think I could be a good fit,” he said. Harrison is enthusiastic about joining the team at Runde Chevrolet. “My dad has taught me a lot about the business and I plan [...]

Andrew Frommelt : Mustang Extraordinaire

Andrew is the newest addition to the Runde PreDriven sales team.
andrew frommelt
Please join us in welcoming Andrew Frommelt to the sales team at Runde PreDriven in Hazel Green! Andrew, who was born and raised in Dubuque, is also a server at The Moracco Supper Club. That experience has taught him how to work in a fast-paced work environment and make conversation with anyone – both skills that will help him in the auto industry. “The main reason I got into car sales is that I have been a car enthusiast for many years now and love learning about different cars,” he said. Andrew loves Ford Mustangs and has owned three of them: a 2008 Mustang GT (his first car), a 2011 Shelby GT500, and his current ride, a 2006 Mustang GT Supercharged. “In my spare time I just get in [...]
fireworks
Fourth of July celebration events are finally back in full swing, so you will have a multitude of events to choose from to celebrate Independence Day this year! Here is a list of events in the tri-state area of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. If you have an event to add to this list, email marketing@rundeautogroup.com!   BELLEVUE, IA Heritage Days Saturday & Sunday, July 3–4 in downtown Bellevue Family-friendly activities including carnival rides, a Queen contest, dance, parade, petting zoo, a show by Ski Bellevue, vintage tractor, car and motorcycle displays, and fireworks. Live music both nights. DUBUQUE, IA Fireworks on the River Saturday, July 3 at 5:30 PM at A.Y. McDonald Park  Air show followed by fireworks at dusk. Ham House 4th of July Celebration Sunday, [...]

Meet the Maverick

Ford's hybrid compact pickup seats five, starts under $20K
Ford Maverick
Ford Maverick is the pickup that might convert you to a “truck person.” Ford recently revealed the all-new 2022 Maverick, the first standard full-hybrid pickup in America and the most fuel-efficient truck on the market. This compact four-door unibody truck has a projected EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg city, seats five adults, and starts under $20,000 MSRP! RESERVE A MAVERICK “Maverick challenges the status quo and the stereotypes of what a pickup truck can be. We believe it will be compelling to a lot of people who never before considered a truck,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager, in a press release. It has a projected range of 500 miles on one tank of gas. The Maverick – which will be smaller than the Ford Ranger – is equipped with [...]

F-150 Lightning Storms Onto the Scene

The all-electric truck has more than 50,000 pre-orders
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum
More than 50,000 people have already ordered their all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning – are you next?? The truck, which will be available starting in the spring of 2022, was revealed during a livestream on May 19. “For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future,” said Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company, in a press release. “F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation.” When building the battery-powered truck, Ford didn’t skimp on any of the traditional truck features. It has 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque (the most torque of any F-150 ever), and it’s QUICK – it can go 0 to 60 mph in the mid-4 second range. It has an estimated [...]

Voices Studio To Host Its First Event

Bob Dylan Birthday Party will feature a live mural painting and live music
Here’s your opportunity to tour the new Voices Studio! Voices Productions, the creative powerhouse behind Voices from the Warehouse District and the city’s mural scene, recently moved into its new space at 1585 Central Ave. The group will host its first event at the new space, an 80th birthday party for Bob Dylan, from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, May 23 at Voices Studio. This will be an outdoor event. Voices Productions suspended its 11-year tradition of the Millwork District gallery shows in 2016 to embark on a public art project, painting over 30 murals on buildings throughout Dubuque. Now they are ready to introduce the public to the next chapter of Voices community art. The event will include a live mural painting of the iconic 1975 photograph of Dylan during the Rolling Thunder Revue by Chicago artist Thérèse Mulgrew. Mulgrew, who is from just outside of [...]

Mach-E Makes EVs Exhilarating

GT model can go 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds
mach-e
ORDER NOW  The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E has been reining in the accolades! The all-electric SUV was named the 2021 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and Cars.com’s Best Eco-Friendly Car of the Year! The vehicle, which can be ordered here, has five trim levels available as well as a standard or extended-range battery. It comes in rear or all-wheel drive. This isn’t a run-of-the-mill EV. True to its Mustang-inspired roots, the GT model can go 0-60mph as quickly as 3.5 seconds! GT also boasts 480 horsepower and up to 634 pound-feet of torque. “We’re pushing the boundaries of what an electric vehicle can offer,” said Dave Pericak, vehicle program director, in a press release. “These Mustang Mach-E models not only give customers the added capability expected from the GT name, but the responsiveness of their electric powertrains will ensure they have a thrilling experience behind the wheel.” It features fun [...]

Chrysler Pacifica: Most Awarded Minivan

Parents and Good Housekeeping magazines recognize Pacifica in their 2021 "best" lists
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is making waves. The minivan was recently honored by Parents Magazine in its Best Family Cars of 2021 list and by Good Housekeeping magazine in its Best Hybrid Cars list. The Good Housekeeping Institute conducted thousands of miles of testing, plus collaborated with Car and Driver, to determine just eight winners in its Best New Hybrid Cars list for 2021. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, as the first and only plug-in hybrid minivan, was named Best Hybrid Minivan. It delivers more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), an all-electric range of more than 30 miles, and a total range of more than 500 miles. This is Pacifica’s fourth consecutive honor from Good Housekeeping. See the entire list of 2021 Good Housekeeping Best New Hybrid Cars here. Parents, a leading magazine for busy, millennial moms, annually recognizes a selection of new-model vehicles with high-tech performance, safety, and convenience features across multiple categories [...]

Chevy Silverado Goes Electric ⚡

All-electric full-size pickup will offer GM-estimated 400 miles on a full charge
An all-electric Chevy Silverado is in the near future! General Motors recently announced it will build the electric full-size pickup truck at Factory ZERO, its assembly plant in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan – the same place the GMC Hummer EV SUV will be built. Don’t expect the current Silverado to simply be re-tooled as an electric truck – the vehicle will be built from the ground up as an EV. GM has estimated that with its Ultium Platform, the vehicle will offer a range of more than 400 miles on a full charge. “The vehicles coming from Factory ZERO will change the world, and how the world views electric vehicles,” said General Motors President Mark Reuss, in a press release. “The GMC Hummer EV SUV joins its stablemate in the realm of true super trucks, and Chevrolet will take everything Chevy’s loyal truck buyers love about Silverado – and more – and put it into [...]
Runde Auto Group is pleased to announce that Aaron Young has been named the General Manager of Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester. Young, of Delhi, IA, has worked at the dealership for nine years. He began his career as a salesperson, and then worked as the dealership’s sales manager. He will continue to sell vehicles, along with his new duties of overseeing sales and service operations at the dealership. “I’m so honored to take on this leadership role,” Aaron said. “We’ve got a really great group of people here and I’m excited to really hit the ground running.” In his spare time, Aaron enjoys writing, cooking, working on motorcycles, and doing random acts of kindness, as well as hanging out with his daughter, Josie, who is currently attending college. “A [...]
Mike Griesinger
Please join us in welcoming Mike Griesinger to the team at Runde PreDriven in Hazel Green! He has a long history in the automotive industry, starting his career as a technician, then doing painting and custom painting, and now in sales. “I wanted to work in sales because I like being around cars and it was time to do less physical things,” he said. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, woodworking, making Tomahawks and Viking Axes, as well as spending time with his children and grandchildren. His favorite vehicles are the Plymouth Superbird and the Hemi Cuda. If you are in the market for a used vehicle, Mike Griesinger can be reached at 866-396-6832 [...]
Tanner
Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester has added a new face to its sales team: Tanner Goodwin! Tanner, who is originally from Maquoketa, lives in Dyersville, IA. He enjoys spending time with his three sons, Zander, Sealey, and Oliver, and his girlfriend, Ryan. He also has a 4-year-old corgi named Buddy. “I try to spend as much of my spare time as I can with my family,” Tanner says. “On my days off I’ll try to get the motorcycle out. I also enjoy cooking.” While he has never sold vehicles for a living, he has dabbled in buying, selling, and trading. “I always wanted to work at a dealership, I was at a point in my life that I could take the opportunity so I [...]

Jared Puls Joins Runde Chevrolet Team

Family connections prompted his move and career change
Jared Puls
Jared Puls is no stranger to the inner workings of Runde Auto Group. He has worked part-time in the past at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque, and has quite a few family connections to the business. Jared is the great grandson of founder Alfred Runde, thus a fourth generation Runde. He’s also the nephew of the owners of Runde Auto Group; twin brother of Tim Runde’s sales assistant, Jacob Puls; and son of Runde IT professional, Jim Puls. Before starting his full-time career at Runde’s, he was working as an Internal Auditor for GreenState Credit Union. He is excited for the new challenge. “I want the opportunity to help people find a vehicle that best fits their needs,” Jared said. “I believe buying a vehicle can be an intimidating experience, [...]

Electric Hummer SUV Revealed

All-electric vehicle expands GMC's supertruck lineup
The GMC HUMMER EV SUV
The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV made its debut during the NCAA’s Final Four telecast recently. The vehicle boasts many of the features of the Hummer EV pickup, but in an SUV body.   “The GMC Hummer EVs were envisioned to be the most capable and compelling electric supertrucks ever,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president of Buick and GMC. “The new Hummer EV SUV is the next chapter, which will offer many options for customers to tailor the truck to their lifestyles, while continuing to encourage them to forge new paths with zero emissions.” Edition 1 will start at $105,595 (or $110,595 with the available Extreme Off-Road Pack) and will have an expected 300 miles on a full charge (280 with the off-road package). Future editions of the Hummer SUV will start at a lower price: a Hummer EV SUV Edition 2, 2x and 3x will

Dubuque Film Fest Plans In-Person Event

2021 Marks the 10th Annual JDIFF
film festival
Runde Auto Group has been a proud sponsor of the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival from the start! The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival plans to hold its tenth annual event in person, following all local and county recommended COVID-19 procedures, as well as taking additional precautions. “We are thrilled to be able to watch film together again,” said Susan Gorrell, executive director of the festival. “Of course things will be a bit different this year, but there’s something about the group experience of watching a movie that makes the festival experience special.” Masks will be required in JDIFF events and screenings, and the festival will be following COVID-19 protocol outlined by its Covid Compliance Officer. Details regarding the festival’s COVID-19 procedures are posted at JulienFilmFest.com. [...]

Protect Your Investment With An Extended Warranty

Runde Auto Group offers Allstate Vehicle Service Contracts
Have you passed or are you approaching the 3-year / 36,000 mile mark on your vehicle? If you are considering extending your vehicle’s bumper-to-bumper protection plan, we can help. We partner with Allstate to offer budget-friendly coverage options to give you the peace of mind that comes with a trouble-free ownership experience. Let us help you plan an extended warranty that makes sense for the mileage you drive, the length of time you keep a vehicle, and your budget. Payment options are flexible – you can pay for the plan upfront if you prefer, but we also offer a 0% interest 12-month payment plan. Plans are transferable and refundable. If you sell or trade your vehicle, you can cancel your contract and receive a pro-rated refund of what you didn’t use. Here are some reasons to consider our vehicle protection plans: Pays 100% of covered parts and labor after your deductible. Allows you to [...]

Service Savings at Runde’s

Roll Into Spring With More Than a New Set of Tires
  Give your vehicle some TLC while saving money this spring with the Service Savings Chevy Spring Tire Event Plus! There are a multitude of rebates available and the best part is they can be stacked for even more savings! Combine offers to receive $20 to $260 in rebates on select tires, brake pads, rotors, shocks, and struts. Plus if you are a My Chevrolet Rewards Member, you can redeem points for paid maintenance or repair service visits! (Enroll in My Chevrolet Rewards here) Hurry in – these offers end April 30, 2021. Available Service Savings offers include: TIRES $100 mail-in rebate on a set of four tires from Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Hankook, and Pirelli $70 mail-in rebate on a set of four tires from Firestone and Michelin $50 mail-in rebate on a set of four tires from BFGoodrich, Dunlop, and General BRAKE ROTORS $40 rebate on the purchase and installation of [...]
Introducing Periscope: GM safety brand emphasizes safety for eve
As part of its goal of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion, General Motors has created a safety brand called Periscope. Periscope will focus on three areas of vehicle safety: vehicle technology, research, and advocacy. “Periscope is how we develop safety through a human lens – it’s the intersection of our research, advocacy, and vehicle technologies and an articulation of the work our engineering team is doing to help everyone on the road – including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and more,” said Maryann Combs, GM vice president of Global Vehicle Safety. Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94% of serious crashes are caused by human error, so GM is committed to developing and implementing new technologies like Buckle to Drive and Teen Driver that can help further reduce driver error. OnStar Guardian, a new mobile app, extends the power of OnStar to smartphones to enable customers to bring key OnStar safety services anywhere [...]
2022 Bolt EV
The all-new 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV recently made its debut alongside the re-designed 2022 Bolt EV – both of which are part of GM’s goal to launch 30 new EVs globally by 2025. “We want to put everyone in an EV and the new Bolt EUV and redesigned Bolt EV are crucial to doing so,” said GM President Mark Reuss, in a press release. “Together, they enable mainstream customers to be part of our vison of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.” To do so, they have lowered the base price of the Bolt EV by more than $5,000 from the 2021 model and have simplified the charging process. The 2022 Chevy Bolt EV 1LT starting MSRP is $31,995. A new Dual Level Charge Cord will, for some customers, eliminate the need to purchase a separate charger for their home. It has a changeable plug that allows the customer to plug into a standard [...]

Reserve Your New Vehicle

Reserve the new Hummer, Bronco, Bolt EUV, or Wagoneer at Runde Auto Group
There are a slew of all-new vehicles being introduced in the next year, and many will require you to reserve your new vehicle if you want to be one of the first behind the wheel. Here’s a roundup of the upcoming new releases that you can claim as your own for delivery to Runde Auto Group: GMC Hummer EV The first-ever all-electric GMC Hummer EV pickup will have 1,000 horsepower, 11,500 lb-ft of torque, go 0-60 mph in 3 seconds, and offer exceptional off-road ability. Edition 1, with an estimated MSRP of $112,595, is expected to be available in the fall of 2021. The EV-2 has an estimated MSRP of $79,995 and will be available in the [...]

2021 Chevy Blazer RS: Mom Approved

The all-new SUV’s roominess and amenities make it perfect for a family.
Molly Blazer
This is the second installment of our #RundeMomReviews series. If you would like to contribute a vehicle review, email marketing@rundeautogroup.com. Molly and Ryan Wernimont’s 2021 Chevy Blazer RS AWD has a head-turning sleek and sporty exterior, plus a roomy interior perfect for cargo and their son Ryder’s car seat. Here’s Molly’s Chevy Blazer review: Working at the dealership as a Finance & Insurance Manager, I see all the new incoming units all the time. Ever since I heard the all-new Chevy Blazer was coming back out, I’ve had my eye on it. Growing up, my parents used to have a Blazer so it is kind of special to me. I finally pulled the trigger and traded my Equinox for the 2021 Chevy Blazer RS, and I am so glad that I [...]

Chevy MyWay Offers Live Vehicle Tours

New service brings dealership experience to you
Chevy MyWay screenshot
Click here to start a live tour Now you can get the dealership experience on your phone, computer, or tablet without leaving the comfort of home with Chevy MyWay. The service launched on January 6 and offers you a live walk around and discussion with a Chevy product specialist. You can chat using your microphone or the chat box and the person will answer your questions, give you a complete tour of the vehicle (or vehicles!), and send you links for more information if needed. We tested out the service today and chatted with Jimmy, a product specialist. He was standing in a large brightly-lit studio in the metro Detroit area, and the room was full of 15 shiny new [...]

#RundeMomReview: GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain has been a perfect starter SUV for the Puls family
Puls Family
This is the first installment of our #RundeMomReviews series. If you would like to contribute a vehicle review, email marketing@rundeautogroup.com. Jessica and Jacob Puls‘ 2019 GMC Terrain has the safety and tech features they love, along with a smooth ride and room for their one-year-old son Bo’s car seat. Don’t just take our word for it – here’s Jessica’s new GMC Terrain review: This has been the perfect starter SUV for our small family. A huge fear of mine is passing someone in their blind spot. My favorite thing about the vehicle is the safety measures including blind side alert for myself (but I also love when other cars have this feature so I know they are alerted when I am driving [...]
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