Please join us in welcoming Barry Funke to the sales staff at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester! Barry is from Greeley, Iowa and now lives in Manchester. He previously worked in the trucking and auto detail business. “I’ve been a car guy all my life,” he says. “I have always enjoyed cars and trucks, new and old, and I love meeting new people.” He especially loves classic muscle cars and old pickups of all makes – his favorite being the 1970 LS6 Chevelle SS and 1986-1987 Chevy square body pickups. In his spare time, Barry Funke enjoys racing of all types – Nascar, motocross, sprint cars, dirt late models and mods. “I enjoy going to the races or just watching them on TV,” he says. “I also enjoy [...]

Help Runde Auto Group Support the Maquoketa Valley FFA What: Runde Auto Group’s Drive 4 Ur School test drive event When: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 Where: Maquoketa Valley High School in Delhi Join Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in supporting the Maquoketa Valley FFA Chapter during this year’s Drive 4 Ur School test drive event! Ford will donate $20 for every test drive (up to $6,000) at the Drive 4 UR School event, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 at Maquoketa Valley High School in Delhi. “This event is such a fun, easy way to help your community,” said Aaron Young, sales manager at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester. “Plus, it is [...]

Please join us in welcoming Chris McGrane to the sales team at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque! Chris, who was born and raised in Dubuque, has many years of experience selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles for McGrath in Dubuque. He also spent 16 years in management at UPS before joining the sales staff at Runde Chevrolet. “It was the people and the way they do thing’s here at Runde’s that made me want to join this team,” said Chris McGrane. “They are honest, straight forward and they make the process quick and easy, which is what people want. Other than that, I mean who doesn’t like a new car?” In his spare time, Chris enjoys family time with his wife Angie, daughters Emily, 18, and Tana, 12, and his 13-year-old son [...]

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, set for Wednesday to Sunday, April 24-28 in downtown Dubuque, has extended the festivities to cover five days! “We needed another day to fit in all the great panels, screenings, and events we have planned,” said Susan Gorrell, executive director of the festival. More than 20 features, 20 documentaries and 70 shorts were named Official Selections this year and will be screened at 10 venues in downtown Dubuque. There were over 700 submissions from over 50 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Cuba, New Zealand, and more. Film Schedule >                                            Watch Nominee Trailers >                [...]

Please join us in welcoming Roger Brown of Boscobel Wisconsin to the sales team at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque! Roger was born and raised in Dubuque and has been working in automotive sales for 12 years so it’s exciting for him to be working for a Dubuque area Chevrolet dealership. “I started in 2007 working in sales,” he says. “I have always been a techie, so the internet side of vehicle sales was a natural fit for me. I have been doing it ever since.” He enjoys seeing all the new technology in vehicles and has gotten to be a part of the automotive industry’s shift toward the internet. “I have seen the vehicle purchase experience change since 2007 in a good way for shoppers,” he said. “The internet provides several tools [...]

We are pleased to announce the addition of Taylor Whittle to the sales staff at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester! Taylor, who is originally from Volga, IA, lives in Strawberry Point with his wife, Ellen. Before working here, he was a sub-contractor doing mostly roofing and siding. “Automotive sales always seemed like a relatively fast paced position, which is something I desired,” he said. “The position is also one where each day brings new challenges. Every day is different, which I enjoy.” His favorite vehicle, other than his trusty 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, is the Ford Raptor. Taylor is looking forward to selling from Runde Auto Group’s large inventory of new Fords, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, as well as used vehicles. “My experience here so far has been a very good one,” he [...]

Looking to purchase a new Chevrolet Bolt EV or Volt? Now is the time – before the federal tax credit changes! In order to be eligible for the full federal tax credit of $7,500*, the vehicle must be purchased and delivered by March 31. After that, the federal tax credit amount will go down to $3,750* *Each person’s tax situation is unique. Consult your tax professional prior to claiming any tax-related credits.   Click here for more information • Shop Runde Auto Group new Chevy Volts The Volt is a high-tech plugin hybird that offers efficiency, state-of-the-art technology and safety features. 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery [...]

The all-new Ford Ranger has landed at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester, IA! This mid-size Ford Ranger truck was unfortunately discontinued in 2011, but now the engineers and designers at Ford Motors have resurrected this popular nameplate and given the Ranger a whole new look and buyers are extremely excited about it. “Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president of Product Development and Purchasing, in a press release. “The all-new Ranger is designed for today’s mid-size truck buyer, delivering even more utility, capability and technology for those who blend city living with more off-the-grid adventures on the weekend.”

A big shout of “THANKS” goes out from Runde’s to Dubuque area residents for voting us Best Car/Truck Dealership & Best Place for Auto Repair in this year’s Best Fest … again!   Runde Auto Group has been voted Dubuque’s Best Dealership in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 as part of Hospice of Dubuque’s Best Fest Celebration. Best Fest is a local event that is put on by Hospice of Dubuque where Tri-state residents in and around the Dubuque area are asked to select their choice as the best business in various categories such as: Best Grocery Store, Best Fitness Center, Best Ice-Cream Shop, Best New Restaurant, Best Place for Lunch, Best Golf Course, Best Place to buy Furniture, etc.   Check out the complete [...]

Run4Troops is set to take place on June 29, 2019 and Runde Auto Group is proud to once again be a major sponsor of this worthwhile event! This year, the point-to-point, chip-timed Boston qualifying race, will debut a new out-and-back course and a half marathon! Proceeds from Run4Troops, set for June 29, 2019, directly support tri-state military, past, present, and future. “Our objective is to give all participants an opportunity for a great experience and raise some money for a great cause,” said race director Connie Hodge. Over the years, they have dispersed more than $105,000 to local military causes. More than 6,500 runners have participated in the event from 46 states and nine countries! Proceeds are donated to organizations including the Veteran’s Freedom Center, University of Dubuque ROTC, National Guard, University of Dubuque Veterans Center, American Red Cross Readiness Unit, [...]

Our Runde employee, Joe Gourley, was on location at the Chicago Auto Show on Friday!   Here are some pictures from his visit. The Chicago Auto Show takes place in the McCormick Place civic center on the southern portion of Downtown Chicago near Soldier Field and the Field Museum. The Auto Show features domestic & import cars, trucks, SUV’s and vans as will as not-yet-released concept cars. In all, approximately 900-1000 different vehicles are displayed at this event annually. It’s a great place to take your family, but remember that the best time to go is early in the morning on weekdays. If you go on a weekend, you can expect to see tons of people there and lines for some exhibits can be extremely long. So try go early on weekdays, if possible, to avoid the large crowds.

The all-new 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is set to go on sale this fall! With a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine producing more than 700 horsepower, the vehicle is capable of 0-60 mph in just over 3 seconds. “A takedown artist, the new 2020 Shelby GT500 will surprise supercar owners with its Ford Performance racing tech, supercharged engine, and visceral swagger,” said Jim Farley, Ford President of Global Markets, in a press release. The first Shelby GT500 was recently auctioned off for $1.1 million to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Craig Jackson, chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson, was the winning bidder. The vehicle is the most powerful street-legal Ford ever with sub-11 minute quarter-mile scores. It has the best cornering and largest brakes of any domestic sports coupe. “With its supercar-level powertrain, the all-new Shelby GT500 takes the sixth-generation Mustang to a performance [...]

Choosing a drivetrain for a vehicle you’re looking to purchase can seem complicated.  The drivetrain you eventually select depends on a lot of factors including: the amount of money you’re looking to spend and what geographic area you live in. For those that live in an area like the tri-states where winter makes traveling tough, a common question among vehicle buyers is which drivetrain is best for their needs. The differences between all-wheel drive (AWD), four-wheel drive (4WD/4×4), front-wheel drive (FWD), and rear-wheel drive (RWD) can be confusing. Front-wheel drive is exactly what it sounds like, the engine’s power is routed to the front wheels. Most sedans are front-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive, which is typically used in high performance vehicles and trucks, sees the engine’s power routed to the rear wheels. It provides better traction if you are pulling a heavy load, but provides less [...]

Traveling with pets in your vehicle can be a tricky balancing act whether you are taking Fido to run an errand, bringing Garfield to see the family over the holidays, or toting the whole gang on a road trip.  Whenever you’re traveling with pets, you should always make preparations for your pet’s comfort and safety. Many of our staff members have pets of their own, so we asked them for their best tips for traveling with pets! Safety When pets are not properly restrained, they can roam the vehicle, causing a distraction. Some states even require that dogs are restrained during travel. Luckily, there are many options, including harnesses and restraints, pet carriers, and cargo barriers. **Never let a pet ride in the front seat as they can be seriously injured or [...]

The Blazer is back! The first all-new Chevy Blazer has landed at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque, IL and it is a STUNNER. Many people in the Dubuque area remember the last generation of the Chevy S-10 Blazer.  It was such a nice-riding vehicle with a quality build.  The exterior was definitely sharp-looking and the interior had seats that were placed lower to the floor than other SUV’s from that time so it often gave owners the feel like they were driving a car.  Of course they still had the comfort of knowing that they were riding around in a fully-capable frame-on-body 4-wheel-drive vehicle and Dubuque Chevrolet owners very much appreciated that in regards to the Blazer because they knew they could navigate the hills and valleys of Dubuque [...]

The Runde Car Wash might be the best form of rust prevention in the Dubuque area this winter! While it’s been a mild winter so far in and around Dubuque, there’s still plenty of salt and brine on the roads from icy days. Both can cause damage to the body and undercarriage of your vehicle over time and if there’s one thing that strikes fear into the hearts of Dubuque Chevrolet owners, it’s the possibility of rust taking a hold of their vehicle. But there are precautions you can take against rust and corrosion. Most importantly, wash your car often. There’s a reason you see lines at the car washes in town when the weather warms up after a snow storm. Washing that salt off [...]

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival will once again put the “fun” in fundraising with its third annual gala, set for Saturday, February 16 in the Harbor Room at Diamond Jo Casino. “As Time Goes By: A JDIFF Hollywood Night” invites you to walk back through the romance and glamour of the fabulous forties with a nod to Casablanca’s Rick’s Café along the way. The suggested attire will be 1940’s vintage glam – reminiscent of the Bogart, Bergman and Bacall era. The event will include a silent auction, live auction, and plated dinner. Peckosh Pediatric Dentistry will be hosting a complimentary cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m.  Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and $900 per table [...]

Lease a new Chevrolet vehicle near Dubuque   There are so many questions to consider when you’re shopping for a newer vehicle: Should you get a car, SUV, minivan or truck?  Gas, diesel or electric?  How much should you spend?  Cloth or Leather? What color do you want?  What trim level will give you the best value for the dollars you’re spending?  Should you buy something with a full warranty?   What level of fuel efficiency are you looking for in your next vehicle? Front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive?  How much of a monthly payment can you afford? One of the questions you might come across while vehicle shopping is whether you should lease or buy. Leasing offers Dubuque area residents lower monthly payments with [...]

Ready to rock in the new year with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra? The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra will again join forces with local rock bands to present a symphonic rock experience! The Ultimate Rock Hits Concert is set for 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Mississippi Moon Bar in Diamond Jo Casino. Runde Auto Group is proud to be the exclusive sponsor of this Dubuque Symphony Concert!    The concert will feature chart toppers from the 1970s to today. Previously they have performed covers of legendary songs from groups like Aerosmith, Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Performers from local bands will include Joie Wails, Boogie Monster, Few Blind Mice, Tete de [...]

Is it a Jeep? Is it a truck? It’s BOTH! The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator, set to arrive in dealerships soon, is a bit of a hybrid between a Jeep Wrangler and a pickup truck. The vehicle is a reincarnation of the Jeep Gladiator truck built from 1963 to 1987. (Check out this history of Jeep trucks) The new mid-size pickup offers best-in-class towing (7,650 pounds) and 4×4 payload capacity (1,600 pounds), as well as composed on-road driving dynamics and passenger safety. The truck is at home when its off-road thanks to Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4×4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited slip differential, segment-exclusive sawy-bar disconnect, and 33-inch off-road tires. It will be available in four trims: Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon. “Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognizable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure,” said Tim Kuniskis, [...]

Motor Trend Awards were recently announced for 2019 vehicle(s) “Of the Year” and Jeep and Ram vehicles had a big showing! The 2019 Jeep Wrangler was named SUV of the Year, while the Ram 1500 was named Truck of the Year. “The Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 are significant products at FCA; concurrently winning Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year and Truck of the Year titles is a proud accomplishment, and a testament to the capability and determination of our employees,” said Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, in a press release. The awards also recognized the late Sergio Marchionne, former FCA CEO, as the 2019 Person of the [...]

The 2020 Chevy Silverado HD is coming! The most capable and advanced Silverado ever, it will also be the third all-new Silverado model from Chevy in just 18 months. “We know the needs and priorities of heavy-duty customers are different than those of either light-duty or medium-duty customers,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, chief engineer, Silverado HD, in a press release. “As such, we built a heavy-duty truck tailor-made for them that has more differentiation than ever before from light-duty models, offers advanced towing technologies to improve towing confidence, and includes new features such as the integrated Bedstep, which makes it easier to access the bed while pulling a fifth-wheel trailer.” Built in Flint, Michigan, the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD exterior shares only the roof with the Silverado 1500 – every other [...]

The staff of Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester came to the aid of a feathered visitor today after it flew into the dealership’s showroom windows. This beautiful cardinal was sitting on the cement by the door after its fall.  It was dazed and confused and at the mercy of whoever would happen upon it.  Luckily for this little warbler, he/she eventually fell into the hands of Keeli Runde. “I scooped him up and he sat in my hand just looking dazed like he didn’t know what was going on,” said Keeli, the office coordinator and title clerk at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. After a few minutes, she took the bird behind the dealership and held it near a tree branch. “He climbed up by himself and then sat there [...]

Runde Auto Group is excited to announce its FIFTH annual Holiday Bake Sale! Plus, Runde Chevrolet Buick GMC in Platteville is joining in to host its first Holiday Bake Sale this year! Each year, our generous staff members prepare delicious baked goods that we sell in the showroom. All funds raised (PLUS a match by Runde Auto Group) are donated to help a few local families in need have a brighter holiday season. Last year’s East Dubuque bake sale raised more than $2,500, which was then matched by Runde Auto Group. The money was donated to help six families in the East Dubuque School District and benefited the East Dubuque Food Pantry. We are hoping to continue the momentum this holiday season. Please [...]

The 24th annual Dubuque Reflections in the Park is back!   The lights festival that raises money for Hillcrest Family Services saw a record-setting year last year, raising more than $148,000. Nearly 14,000 vehicles drove through the park.   “The Dubuque Reflections in the Park absolutely could not happen without our amazing volunteers,” said Darlene Bolsinger, Reflections in the Park coordinator. “Their time, talent, and dedication is outstanding.”   Open 5-10 p.m. daily Nov. 22 through Jan. 1 at Louis Murphy Park in Dubuque, this year’s event features many new light displays. Runde Auto Group is a proud sponsor of the Silverado display!