If the toppings are free, the more the merrier, right?  Maybe the same can be said of the Ford SYNC feature.  I’d like to think so, especially with Ford’s already impressive “topping” list of features such as Turn by Turn Directions, Traffic Alerts, Hands Free Calling, Voice Activated Music, and 911 Assist, just to name a few. However now there’s even more to look FORwarD to as the SYNC will be capable of pulling up Movie Listings, Stock Quotes, Airline and Rentals and even your Horoscope! In a tech world, Ford keeps our appetites in check with all of these great features that keep getting packed on top of their already great SYNC technology.  Check out the video below for more information and demonstrations of the new features.   [...]

Sean Dailey is one of Runde’s newest employees. Over the past few weeks he has been very busy meeting all of the friendly faces at our Ford-Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep store and helping the great people of, and around, Manchester with their vehicle needs. In the midst of his busy schedule we were able to sneak in a few questions to get to know him bit better. So Sean, what exactly do you do here at Runde’s? I am a general sales associate, I sell cars. How long have you been doing that? Two and a half weeks so far. Are you originally from the Manchester area? No, I was actually born in San Francisco. I joined the military and after moving around for a while, I settled here in Iowa about 19 years ago. Why Iowa? I moved around a lot as a military kid, and spent some time in Iowa. In fact, [...]

To me, a “hero” is someone that inspires or delivers change for the better. Having the luxury of waking up to an alarm clock instead of sirens or gunshots is a privilege that most of us probably take for granted. We are lucky to live in such a state where our biggest worry of the day is when you think a cop might have caught you accidentally changing lanes without signaling. Many have sacrificed for us to get to where we are today and should be recognized and thanked properly. Memorial Day is one of those special days when we are able to recognize the heroes that have worked so hard to defend what we have today. One the people in the fight for a better tomorrow is Runde’s very own Jason Keane. Jason has been involved with the National Guard for 14 years and is preparing for his third deployment in the near future. [...]

Everyone loves pizza, right?  And possibly the only thing people like better than pizza is … a big pizza. C’mon, let’s face it … you can beat a big pizza.  Big fish … nope.  Big burger … sorry.  Big pizza … most definitely.      Some of the beefier men here at Runde’s went on a journey the other day. A journey of self-discovery, testing the limits of themselves and their stomach’s, a journey that only Luigi’s Big Pizza Baby in Dubuque, IA could provide. They supplied us with the biggest pizza that I, and several others, have ever seen with a whopping 30″ in diamater! The following video is a document of the momentous day that was Lunch from Luigi’s Pizza … Enjoy!  

What’s not to love about the Ford Fiesta?  The fact that it demolishes its competition, such as the Honda FIT and the Toyota Yaris, in nearly every category out there is probably an understatement.  And now there’s more!  The Fiesta, in addition to beating the competition in terms of: 1. Horsepower (competition ranges from 106 to 117 hp vs. the Fiesta at 120 HP) 2. Safety 3. Features And we just learned that the Fiesta also takes the top prize in terms of fuel economy. While the FIT offers an impressive 28/35 MPG it falls short of the Fiesta’s recently announced and officially official 29/40 MPG. Need I remind you that in addition to all of these class superior specs, the Ford Fiesta starts at $13,320 while the FIT starts at $14,900 – [...]

Jeff Schmitt has been with us here at Runde Chevrolet for several years. Having to deal with appointments and service, Jeff is always a busy guy. Today, however, we got to sneak in a couple questions in an attempt to give you a small glimpse of the life of Jeff Schmitt. Thanks for chatting with me Jeff. To start out, what would you say is your position here? Assistant Body Shop Manager would be my “main position” but I do several other things such as service writing, making appointments, etc. How long have you been here? Since August 2007, so a couple of years. How do you like it at Runde’s? It’s great. Everyone is really friendly. Where are you from? I was born [...]

Want a good indication that the future is here? How about the fact that the products currently in the works make the things that we could have only imagined “to be the future” look primitive and obsolete?   The EN-V Prototype (Electric Networked-Vehicle) manufactured by General Motors plans to be hitting the streets as the new “Urban Mobility Vehicle” (think along the lines of a Segway, but not nearly as basic and lame). Tired? Drunk? Hurt or just lazy? The EN-V has you covered as it works autonomously, meaning that it can drive itself with the integrated GPS. In addition to an array of safety features and smart programming for heavy traffic, sudden reaction sensing, and the like,  the EN-V is an electric vehicle. It will plug into a [...]

Who doesn’t like a cute puppy?  I imagine that even Mr. E. Scrooge couldn’t hold back the makings of a smile at the sight of a super cute four-footed ball of furr. The joy and happiness that a new puppy brings us can only be matched by maybe the surprised kitty from that famous YouTube video … or possibly a cute new born baby … if you think things like that are cute? Here at Runde’s today puppy love was in the air as Ashley Rigdon (daughter of Runde’s own Lisa Rigdon) brought in her new loveable companion: Oliver. Oliver is a Yorkie Poo (mix between a Yorke and Poodle) and just turned 6 weeks today.  I sort of wondered why they don’t just call it a Yoodle —  considering a [...]

Diana, Robert and little Poco Hedtke just purchased a Chevy Silverado diesel truck from Runde Chevrolet.  They recently moved back from Thailand after doing missionary work for 3 years and were in need of a newer truck. After arriving at their current home in Atkins, IA they were hungry to get a Duramax diesel powered truck that suited their needs so that they could hit the roadways for some well deserved trips. There was only one problem for these fine folks – no matter where they looked, they couldn’t find any Duramax that had what they needed at a price they couldn’t argue with. That is, until they found Runde’s website… What brought you to Runde’s today? We have been looking for a Chevrolet Duramax but couldn’t find anything in our price bracket that was available. Then, just this morning, I came across your website and discovered a number of Duramax’s available.   How [...]

TESTIMONIALS FROM RUNDE’S CUSTOMERS We are very very pleased with our Chevy Traverse that we recently purchased from Runde Auto Group. It is by far one of the most comfortable vehicles I have ever driven. We have been on 3 road trips and love how it handles the road!! Sure hope this Traverse lasts us a long time! We love it!!!! Thank you for making it possible when we came to see you!! I also want you to know how impressed we are with Runde’s! Awesome people and awesome service! Keep it up! Take care! Paul and Ellen S. of Dubuque, IA We still have the Jeep Commander and all is well with it. Best vehicle and experience we’ve [...]

Runde customer Kara Walen is the daughter of Jerald and Sherry Walen who recently bought a vehicle from Runde’s.  She came in today to pick up her new car. This college student from Dubuque, IA was nice enough to let us get an interview with her about her experience at Runde Auto Group. What brought you to Runde’s today? My Mom and Dad actually just bought a Santa Fe from you guys about two months ago and suggested that I come here to get my new car. What did they have to say about their experience? They loved it. They really like their car and thought Al Kloft [their salesman] was great. What did you end up picking up? A used [...]

Ed Whitacre, the CEO of General Motors, announced that GM has paid back all of the borrowed money in full to the government with interest. This gigantic announcement demonstrates a level of confidence within the company that has surfaced mainly due to a slimmed down product line, a more refined company focus, and exciting new products like the Chevy Equinox, the Chevy Camaro, and the Buick LaCrosse that are selling almost as quickly as they arrive on dealers’ lots. With this move, they are basically saying that they wholeheartedly believe GM is now on the right track to profitability. And here at Runde Auto Group, we know without-a-doubt that GM is back on track and ready for the road ahead. The tank is full, the engine is humming, and the GPS is set … Destination … Success.  It’s full speed ahead for Chevrolet, Buick and GMC.  

Jordan Degree of the Dubuque Art Center, made a visit to Sue Hanger and Cub Scout Pack 775 to let the Scouts paint some mugs. Pack 775, based out of Cuba City, is led by Cub Scout Master Sue Hanger — who is also one of Runde’s superstar accountants. While Jordan was at Runde’s talking about the Art Center he mentioned that he offers a “paint your own pottery” session. After Sue got wind of this offer she jumped on the opportunity to treat the scouts to a great night of creativity and fun. And boy, was it a HIT. There are 23 Scouts in Pack 775 ranging from 1st to 5th graders.  The event took around an hour and Jordan supplied the kids with everything they needed – including the glazes and the mugs. After the kids were done glazing the mugs the way they wanted, Jordan took everything back to the Art Center where he [...]

I’m going to go out on a limb and say the Buick LaCrosse is an extremely attractive vehicle.  Some cars you see and think “that looks nice” to be unpleasantly surprised by how dreadfully dull the interior is or how you think you got a better drive in the ’88 Olds Regency Elite you had when you were 16. Sometimes a car doesn’t seem worth its sticker price. But, on occasion, a car comes out and after you take it for a spin you think (regardless of any research) “I “HAVE TO HAVE” this”. This is that car folks, the 2010 LaCrosse. I was there, watching its birth though my monitor; though it’s unveiling, production, and various demonstration videos. Speculating its performance and awesomeness from afar.  And finally it was time to [...]

Mandi Pedretti from Dubuque, IA stopped in the other day to pick up a new vehicle she has been eyeballing for awhile. While she was here and waiting for her paperwork, I asked her if she could share with me her experience. This is what she had to say: How did you find Runde Auto Group? I’ve been over here before and my boyfriend’s parents live in East Dubuque so we drive by here all the time. Did you know your salesman, Al Kloft? No, not before today. How did you end up with Al? I went through the lot a couple of times looking at some vehicles and went home to do some more research online. He called me back after I requested [...]

Who doesn’t like the new 2010 Camaro?  It’s got everything you need in a car: power, class and, without mention, STYLE. They took this baby to a whole new level in 2010 and the critics definitely took notice. Announced at the New York Auto Show, the Camaro earned its honors as the 2010 World Car Design of the Year over fellow finalists Citroen C3 Picasso and the Kia Soul. “In recreating this modern sports car, we have proven that people are just as passionate about Chevy as ever,” shared Michael Simcoe, Chevrolet design director. “We have been delighted about the strong reaction to the 2010 Camaro — even in markets that are [...]

Jordan Degree, of the Dubuque Art Center, was in this week at Runde Chevrolet to pick up a vehicle for the Art Center. Last year I had the opportunity to get to know Jordan and learn about what the Art Center offered the community.  This year we got an update from Jordan about what’s happening with the Art Center and what they have planned for the vehicle they purchased. Hey Jordan, last year you were here to borrow the Community Support Truck for the Art Center, right? How did it work out for you? Yes, we were moving to our new location at 137 Main Street in Dubuque – we are on the first floor. That was actually the second time we used the community vehicle, though. The first [...]

Goog411 is definitely the new rage We used to have a trainer from GM that would go around to various dealerships in the area and teach the salespeople how to do better vehicle walk-arounds and essentially sell more cars in the process.  Every time he was on the verge of touching on a unique feature of a car, he would foreshadow it with the phrase, “OK, now I’m going to put some money in your pocket.”  This usually meant that the car had a unique key feature that no other competitor had on their vehicles and it was going to help you sell more cars and thus — the money in the pocket thing. Now I’m going to put some money in your pocket.  Are you sick of getting charged beaucoup $$$ every time you dial 411 or Directory Assistance to get a phone number when you’re on the go.  Not everyone has [...]

I was up at the Runde PreDriven store the other day and I was informed by one of the salesmen that Sammy Hagar was in the house. I thought, ”What an opportunity … we can get a interview with Sammy for the blog … I wonder what he’s looking to purchase?  A Camaro?  A Vette?” I asked where he was.   Chris pointed to Johnny Kramer, who works up at that store and was sportin’ a new hairdo.  It wasn’t the actual Red Rocker, but it was an uncanny resemblance. I took some quick photos of Johnny … errr, I mean Sammy Hagar (You may recall that Johnny was featured previous in a Runde Auto Chat interview back in 2009) and then I went about my business.  A few minutes later there was a big [...]

A BIG surprise named Magnum the Mastiff visited Runde Chevrolet the other day. A beautiful Mastiff was sitting with his owner, Jesse Coulson, who was in for some service on his Chevy Colorado. Wow Jesse, that is a huge dog! How old is he? He’s 22 months old. He weighs close to 180lbs currently, I expect him to grow to around 200lbs. He’s a Mastiff right? Pretty nice dogs from what I hear.  He seems very attentive – probably a good bird watcher. They are called “Gentle Giants” and that is very true of Magnum. One time our family went on a vacation and Magnum was distressed because all of his family was gone for a few days. He’s very close to the family. What does Magnum the Mastiff eat? His favorite food is string cheese. They grow up so fast so it’s good to get them cheese for calcium. He eats close [...]

Has anyone considered purchasing a Ford Fiesta yet?  Looking to get a great gas mileage car without putting a dent in your style or wallet? You have probably considered the Chevy Sonic or the Chevy Spark, but if you wait for the Ford Fiesta you will not be disappointed. I was very skeptical of the car at first. I’m 6’1″ with a big build and found these little gas-mileage cars “cramping” my style. But I went to the Chicago Auto Show and experienced the Fiesta first hand and I must say I’m impressed. The car, in my opinion, looks fantastic from the outside but what really took my breath away was the interior – QUALITY. Seriously, for a vehicle that starts around $13.5k and ends well under $20k although it felt like $30k [...]

I had to grab some footage of the Suzuki Makai. It looks like it automatically takes you to the beach as soon as you sit in it. Something you probably won’t be seeing around the Tri-States, to say the least, but very cool! The Makai is based on the Suzuki SX4 and I’m pretty sure it’s targeted towards people that don’t live anywhere near here. The Suzuki Kizashi, with it’s four-wheel drive and powerful engine, however, is right up our alley!    

We “vahnt” your blood …  to be donated to the East Dubuque Community Blood Drive April 16th at the East Dubuque High School cafeteria.  This is an event that Runde Auto Group fully supports. If you’re in the Tri-State area, why not take an hour out of your day help potentially save a life?  Hope to see you at the East Dubuque Community Blood Drive! We found this cool video. About 2 minutes into it, the video shows what life is like for a boy with aplastic anemia both before and after a blood transfusion. So if you think you can’t make a difference, then watch the last couple minutes of this and think again.  

Why not make your neighbors and friends go head over heels when they see you in the all-new 2011 Buick Regal!  This car is a sure winner with its avant-garde styling and unique interior design. Check out the footage below we got from the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.  Will you be ready for a new ride when the 2011 rolls out???   Granted, this may not be the greenest car on the block, but we’re guessing that it will turn all of your neighbors green — with envy — when you come home with a 2011 Regal as your brand new coach.    

Duane and Karen Altfillisch from Elizabeth Illinois stopped in to purchase some more vehicles from their favorite dealer – Runde Auto Group this week. These long-time Runde Chevrolet fans granted us the time to let us interview them before going off to get some good vittles. What brought you to Runde’s? We’ve been coming here for years. I’m assuming that since you came back you “like our attitude” Oh hahaha, yes, absolutely. Where are you from? We’re from Elizabeth, which is near Stockton, IL. How many vehicles would you say you bought from us? Probably around twenty. 20? Wow, Holy cow! Yep, we’ve been buying since 1987. I heard that you had some work being done to your vehicle?