The last couple weeks have been packed with talk of the Olympics in Beijing, China. I have had many conversations with co-workers about the Olympics, it’s very bittersweet watching them wrap up until London in 2012. So much history has been made with Michael Phelps completing his perfect 8 gold medal quest. But even more than that, our own Iowa girl, Shawn Johnson, takes gold on the balance beam, and brings home 3 silver medals as well. The West Des Moines native, who just happens to only be 16 years old, started gymnastics when she was 3 because ‘she had too much energy’. None of us could see that in the constantly smiling, high-flying daredevil that she is. Even with all of her success (the [...]

Were you asking yourself the same thing as me the other night … “What was that Silverado with a Ladder 5 sign on TV?” As Americans, September 11th is a date that will forever be ingrained into our minds. If asked where they were and what they were doing at the time of the Twin Tower attacks, most of us would be able to describe everything in great detail. If you were watching the Olympics last Monday, you would’ve seen a Chevy commercial featuring a pretty beat up Chevy Silverado with a Ladder 5 sign on the back. The pickup belongs to Craig Monahan, a member of the FDNY. He was off-duty at the time of the attacks, and got called in. He had 2 other firefighters with him as they drove in from Staten Island. They parked the truck near the south tower, and watched both towers collapse. He then crawled into [...]

I sat down with Al Dellabella, the Sales Manager at Runde Buick in Cuba City. He is a tough guy to catch! I almost had to handcuff him to his chair to get the interview completed. Just Kidding! He had some very interesting stories, and is a great guy to talk to. Runde Auto Chat: How long have you worked at Runde Cuba City? Al Dellabella: Before it became Runde Buick, it was Dellabella Motors. I worked there for about 30 years, and have been working for Runde’s for about 6 years. Runde Auto Chat: What do you like most about working here? Al Dellabella: The clientele and internal personnel; We are a real team (He referred to them as the “Cuba City Connection”) Runde Auto Chat: Any favorite restaurants in the area? Al Dellabella: Brewery Creek in Mineral Point – Our son works there, and I really enjoy the atmosphere. For a quicker [...]

If you haven’t taken a look at the Buick SUV the Enclave yet, they you probably should take a moment to examine all the Enclave has to offer. Check out the following video review of the Buick Enclave from Barbara Terry. Her comments are in-line with everything that our current Enclave owners are telling us. We are selling more and more of this popular Buick SUV every year.   If you’ve been wondering what the Enclave drives like, please stop up at our Buick store in Platteville, WI and they’ll be more than happy to send you out on a test-drive. We’re sure that you’ll fall in love with the ride of the Enclave after just a few minutes in it. As for the look of the vehicle … well that speaks for itself. For more videos and information, please check out what Jean Jennings has to say about the Enclave at Motor Trend’s [...]

If you’re ever in the Mississippi Valley region of the Tri-States and looking for something to do, drive up to Dickeyville Grotto in the southwest corner of Wisconsin.  The grotto is only about a 10 minute drive from the Runde Auto Group main headquarters in East Dubuque and only a 5 minute drive from Runde GMC in Platteville. What is a grotto, you ask?  The formal definition of a grotto is an artificial recess or structure made to resemble a natural cave.  Now I wouldn’t say walking through the grotto will make you feel like you’re in a cave, but it does give you the feeling like you’re in a really different or unique place. I visited the Grotto this week and I really must say I’ve never seen anything like it. Growing up in Southeast Iowa, we didn’t have anything close to this. It was [...]

Quite a few employees at Runde have pets of some kind or another at home, so we decided to compile a collection of photos to share with everyone.   Sue Hanger’s hop-a-long house pets Sue’s son Brandon Hanger with Eagle.  We thought Eagle was a male, but we now have reason to think he is actually a she and could be having babies. If anyone is interested, please let us know! Sue’s son Brian and Oreo   Jeff Runde’s boy in the hood

The release of the newest member of Chevrolet’s Crossover/SUV family is quickly approaching. The 2009 Traverse, a 7- or 8-passenger crossover vehicle, will become available this fall. This practical and flashy SUV is going to open a lot of eyes when it graces us with it’s presence at Runde Chevrolet near Dubuque. The Traverse has 4 available trim levels, similar to the other Chevrolet models. The LS has the essentials, but cuts costs by leaving off all the extra ‘bells and whistles’ offered for the vehicle. Next come the 1LT and 2LT, offering a few more options than the LS, and last is the LTZ, the ‘Top Dawg’ offering all of the extra options you could think of. The Traverse offers fantastic fuel-efficiency, getting 24 Miles Per Gallon in the Front Wheel Drive version on the highway. The All Wheel Drive version averages an impressive 23 MPG on the open road. The 7-passenger package [...]

Many people call us for service work, but don’t really get to know the people actually doing the dirty work. Jeff Mohr is one of the guys in our Hazel Green service department. I took a few minutes of his time…well, actually I wasted it, but he got over it quickly! Runde Auto Chat: Do you have any hobbies or interests? Jeff Mohr: I like to play electric guitar. RAC: Any siblings or significant others? JM: I have two sisters.   RAC: Are you married yet? JM:  I do have a girlfriend.  Her name is Linsey. RAC: Did you grow up around here? JM: Yes, in Dubuque over by Hempstead High School. RAC: What kind of car do you drive?                                          JM: 1991 Jeep Wrangler RAC: What would you do with a million dollars? JM: Take the PreDriven staff on a cruise…(Remember this guys…you may want to redeem at a later date!) RAC: If you were stuck [...]

The new name for the satellite radio feature that most of us have in our cars is now Sirius XM Satellite Radio.  The executives of Sirius and XM radio announced the completion of the company merger on July 29th, 2008. There is much excitement surrounding the company’s future, and both parties are foreseeing great things for them in the future. The merged company is known as Sirius XM Radio, and both brands will continue to operate as they have, as two separate entities. They are in the process of creating some new packages that combine stations from both XM and Sirius. They will offer “Best Of” package that contains premium stations from both providers. Also, the “Mostly Music” and “Sports/News/Talk” packages will combine stations from both as well. Any receivers already in circulation as well [...]

Runde Auto Group of Manchester is anticipating the arrival of it’s newest line-up member.  The Ford Flex is an all new vehicle for 2009 and it’s a very important one for Ford as it replaces their mini-van  segment.  What?  No more minivans?   Evidently Ford execs were eavesdropping at wedding ceremonies where couples actually made it a part of their vows that they would: 1) never own a minivan, and 2) not allow Michael Bolton’s music in any of their vehicles.   Check out this video test-drive of the new Flex.  It’s interesting that the reviewer states he’s 6’4″ and he has no problems with the space inside the Flex — including the proverbial third row.  It’s also interesting that the man in the video points out that he wasn’t too fond of [...]

GM recently joined forces with the United States Postal Service for a collaboration that is sure to benefit all.  GM implemented their “Project Driveway” program a few years ago. The test-drive program allows GM to partner with consumers or companies who agree to driving GM’s fuel cell vehicles in a “lab rat” type of situation. Yesterday, GM announced a newest member of the program, the world’s first and largest market test of fuel cell vehicles. Chevrolet and the United States Postal Service have teamed up for a trial-run of Hydrogen-powered fuel cell Chevy Equinox’s. Two of the USPS locations will be using them. Irvine, CA is the only one released so far, with a second releasing soon. The Equinox fuel cell car will be used 6 days a week on regular delivery routes. This is not [...]

GM recently unveiled the production version of the 2010 Camaro. Many reporters and consumers expressed their amazement of how true the production model is to the concept. They were also amazed to learn about the technology, safety and performance features included in the Camaro, the new definition of the 21st Century Sports Car. Here are some of the 2010 Camaro highlights: Design • Sleek styling with heritage-inspired cues and 10 available exterior colors. • Detailed interior with excellent attention to detail and available ambient LED lighting technology. • RS Appearance Package available on LT and SS, with HID headlamps that include integrated “halo ring” feature, spoiler, specific taillamps and 20-inch wheels. Technology • Bluetooth wireless technology for compatible phones. • Premium Boston Acoustics 9-speaker, 245 watt audio system with [...]

We’ve reached the middle of summer, the time of year people are spending time on the river or in the pool and that means local restaurants are busy too as people don’t want to spend a lot of time inside cooking over a hot stove.  But you have to watch out when you start eating out a lot.  It’s easy to pack on a few extra pounds when you eat out more than you should.  I know a few people at Runde are starting diets or have been on them for a while. Chris Anderson of Runde PreDriven started the Atkins diet a couple weeks ago, and Chris said he feels like it is working for him.  Summer is also a very busy time for people, and eating out can become a habit. What most people don’t realize is that one meal at a chain restaurant can account for a whole day’s calories. They [...]

Chevrolet will release the Silverado Hybrid late in the fall of 2008 (in limited quantities). It has a two-mode engine, allowing for 5 power combinations. The first mode can work in 3 ways: electric, engine power, or a mixture of the two. These are used in low speed, light load conditions for optimal fuel efficiency. The second mode is used for highway speeds, allowing the truck the capacity to run in either a four-cylinder or eight-cylinder modes. They offer the ability to tow or handle rough conditions. This engine allows for 40% more efficient city driving and 25% more efficient highway driving. The truck has all the available options as the other Silverados, but a new fuel efficiency gage is available in the hybrid. It tells you if the truck is operating at the optimum level.     Chevy takes pride in the high-quality, dependable vehicles they produce, and the Silverado Hybrid is no [...]

Most people are aware of the male racecar drivers, but what many don’t know is there are many women drivers making their way up the ranks as well. Most have heard of Danica Patrick, but she is definitely not the only female competing on the racing circuit. There are a couple developmental racing circuits in the United States that serve as stepping stones for those trying to race with the ‘big boys’. Champ Car Atlantic Championships (A.K.A. Atlantic) Cooper Tires sponsor the Atlantic racing series, which holds events across North America during their season. This is the top developmental open-wheel racing series. Most competitors make the jump up to the highest level from this circuit.   Simona de Silvestro Date of Birth: September 1st, 1988 Hometown: Thun, Switzerland Simona won her season-opener in 2008 at Long Beach. She races Formula BMWs. She was the first woman in history to earn spots on [...]

A recent Runde customer from Hopkinton, Iowa was nice enough to talk with me for a couple minutes while his vehicle was getting ready to take home. Runde Auto Chat: What did you like most about the process and how business was conducted here at Runde? Frank Riese: It was simple, and Don was thorough in answering all my questions. RAC: What kind of vehicle did you buy? Were there any options or features that you were specifically looking for? FR: I bought a Chevy 2500 truck. I wanted a good used truck with just the basic options. RAC: What purpose is this vehicle going to serve: business, family travel, etc.? FR: It will be used for both family and business. RAC: Do you have any children or grandchildren? FR: I have 3 children [...]

Donna Manternach was patiently waiting for our service department to finish working on her car, so I sat down and talked with her for a few minutes. She is a very nice lady!! (And kind enough to answer random questions from a complete stranger) Runde Auto Chat: What kind of vehicle are you having serviced? Is it just a routine appointment? Donna Manternach: I have a Ford Edge, and yes, it’s a routine oil change. RAC: Did you buy the vehicle here at Runde Auto Group of Manchester? DM: Yes RAC: Is there any feature it has that will be a necessity next time you buy a vehicle? Or anything that you don’t like? DM: When I have a passenger with me, there isn’t any space on the floor under the console for my purse, but other [...]

If you live in our around the Manchester, IA area and haven’t tried the Chuong Garden Chinese restaurant on Main Street year, we highly suggest doing so.  I’m sure all of you have heard the typical jokes about Chinese food going right through you, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is a great tasting food and it’s also considered good for your health … healthier than eating a Burger King or Hardees, that’s for sure. In Manchester our local Chinese restaurant, Chuong Garden, is located downtown on East Main Street near the movie theater. I have eaten there many times, and from speaking with the workers at Runde Manchester, they have as well. A couple of the guys go for the Szechwan Chicken or Beef. I am a [...]

Manchester, Iowa added Las Flores Mexican restaurant to its downtown community a couple summers ago. I had just started dating my husband when it opened, and it didn’t take us long to discover it was going to be our favorite place in town to eat. Monday through Saturday they have Lunch Specials from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Most of the entree’s consist of two items with rice or beans. They have very quick service, especially over lunch. Most of the time we can be done eating in about 35 minutes.   My husband and I have kind of gotten into a rut. We tend to eat the same meals every time we go to Las Flores, but lately I have tried to change it up a bit. He always gets the Enchiladas Verdes or the Chimichanga. I usually choose the chicken quesadillas or the Combo #5, which is a beef enchilada and taco, [...]

Runde Chevrolet has introduced a new community support vehicle to be used by non-profit organizations. It has already been used for a few events in the area, but it has just begun it’s career at Runde’s. The American Red Cross borrowed our community support vehicle to work at delivering cots and blankets to flood victims in the Tri-State area. The flood brought disaster to so many families in the Midwest, and Runde’s worked very hard to find a way to help all of the people affected.   A Letter from the American Red Cross: Thank you for your donation of Cube Truck to pick up cots & blankets. Your generous donation helped our local volunteers assist with severe flooding throughout the Tri-State area. Because of your gift to the American Red Cross, hope [...]

The Julien Dubuque Bridge had an accidental run in with a freight-hauling barge the other day.  Runaway barges are not usually a common topic in Iowa and Illinois, but last month was a rare occurrence. On June 9th, a tow of 15 barges and a bridge support were traveling downstream when the lead barge hit the Julien Dubuque Bridge and sent the others on their way. The bridge was closed to vehicle traffic for about 18 hours to conduct inspections. Witnesses say the vessels were traveling too fast for the pilot to maneuver them around the bridge. The current in that area of the river is strong, and doesn’t usually have a consistent pattern. Three of them lodged against the bridge, and several others [...]

Lenny was a little hesitant to let me interview him, so I promised to be nice. He works in our reconditioning department at Runde Chevrolet, and he didn’t have a lot to say but he gave us SOME input.   Runde Auto Chat: Everyone knows you as Lenny, but what is your REAL name? Lenny: Jeff Kueter   RAC: How long have you worked here? L: A little over a year   RAC: A lot of people think that you’re the hardest worker here. Is there any truth to that? L: Maybe a little bit.   RAC: Do you follow baseball? L: Yes   RAC: Who’s your favorite team? L: Cubs   RAC: Will you be watching the All Star Game? L: No, I have prior commitments.   RAC: Wife? Kids? L: Yes, and 1   [...]

Anyone who says being a parent is easy is either a liar or they’re not a parent … or both.  It’s Monday again and unfortunately that means it’s back to the grind. I don’t know about you guys, but the weekend was way too short! I’m sure those of you with kids had an even shorter weekend than I did. Are you wanting to make the most of every minute you have off from work? Here are a few ways to make your weekends feel longer, refreshing, and more fulfilling because being a parent is never easy. If errands are a must, try some silly games to keep them interesting. Have the kids race to find a certain product first, or have them point to a specific item on the shelf. Making an ice cream stop on the way home will also keep everyone in a good mood. [...]

Where would you go if you were planning an upcoming night on the town? I took a trip down to Houlihan’s restaurant in Dubuque today to see what was going on — it’s just a 4 minute drive from the Runde PreDriven store. Houlihan’s is located next to the Dubuque Greyhound Park and  Casino and the Hilton Garden Inn just off of Highway 151. The location would be great for a weekend away from home. You can stay at the Hilton, eat at Houlihan’s, and gamble at the casino. It is also within driving distance of shopping, golf, and many other restaurants in the area.

Chevrolet introduced their Volt concept car at this year’s Auto Show in Detroit. It has the capacity to run on only electricity for up to forty miles. If the battery runs out of power, then and only then will the gas engine kick in. The gas engine works to recharge the electricity so the vehicle can run on only the battery again. On one tank of gas, the car should be able to travel around 640 miles, and get triple-digit gas mileage. The car can be charged with a normal 110-volt plug-in that you would find in your house.   Chevy is hoping to release this car in the next few years, but as of right now, they still have some issues to iron out concerning the power that the batteries [...]