How often do you get a chance to help someone out in Dubuque, Iowa? Chances are that there are several opportunities for you to help someone, but how often do you actually help? Connie Jo and Chuck, owners of Chuck -n- Jo’s restaurant, (located on 890 Iowa St in Dubuque, IA) did not let an opportunity pass when they came up with “Easter Baskets of Love” Started three years ago, Easter Baskets of Love supplies children in need of an Easter basket that’s filled with toys, candy and other Easter goodies. Kids from organizations such as the Maria House and St. Mark’s are given the baskets. Everything is 100% donated and the work is all volunteer based – businesses (including Runde Auto Group) within the community donate items for [...]

It’s not often we get to interview someone below the age of 25, so when we got to interview Amanda Hohmann, 22, we definitely listened attentively to what she had to say.   Hey Amanda, so I hear you bought a vehicle from us before? Yea, I bought a Pontiac G6 at the end of October after looking around for awhile.   How do you like it so far? Oh, I love it! I’ve never had any problems with it.   That’s good to hear! So what was the experience like at Runde’s when you were picking out the vehicle?   Oh it was good, my dad liked the fact that there really is no salesman pitches and Al Kloft [...]

Following a seemingly satisfying vehicle purchase Jon and Stacy Nash, of Clinton Iowa, gave me the opportunity to get to know them a little better. Below is a transcript of a conversation filled with laughs and smiles.  They are really an awesome, easy-going couple. Hey guys, what are you doing here at Runde’s today? Oh, we just bought a Chevy Tahoe – we saw it listed on autotrader.com then called up and talked to Al who set everything up for us. Al Kloft of Runde Predriven? He’s a character isn’t he? Ha ha, definitely. He’s very nice, a great person. Ah, so what made you interested in the Tahoe? Well we needed a used vehicle that had a bit more room than the two door cars we have to accommodate our family. Do you have kids? Yeah, we have a 20 year old that works, a 14 year old that is in high school and [...]

How awesome would it be if you had a teacher in high school that let you play games in class? In a society being driven by a formula of technology and entertainment, it is important to teach our kids with something that integrates this formula to interact and visually communicate with our kids. The “Activboard”, by Promethean, is a perfect solution for the seamless integration of fun and technology in the classroom. These boards are a fully interactive and totally immersive means to teaching using an up-to-date and involving method of course structure. Runde is helping out in this exciting new way of teaching by donating the money needed to purchase one of these boards to the East Dubuque High School. Students at the East Dubuque High School can claim as to how “awesome” it is to play with the board as they have had one for about a year and a half now. According to [...]

The sixth annual Ice Golf Classic at Midtown Marina was a huge success according to Sandy McDowell, owner of the Marina.  Naked babies flinging arrows at lovers and enough “love” in the air to make Romeo sick didn’t stop people from smacking around tennis balls while playing golf on the ice.   The tournament was originally mapped out in 2004 by a group of men from the area, named the A.M. Hacker, who were just not satisfied by the restrictions winter seemed to place on their golf game. The group got together and started the Ice Golf Classic event shortly after they realized that they could raise money for a good cause while giving people the time of their lives as they play golf on the [...]

Buying a first car for your kid can be a nerve-racking process and making up your mind about how much horsepower is too much can definitely cause stress. Worries of them being in a safe, reliable car can lead to an endless search of what you should buy and with what features. To ease the process a bit, here are some quick tips to follow while making a decision on purchasing your kid’s first vehicle. 1. Size (buy a tank) Several people may think that mid or small-sized cars are the way to go in terms of a first car as they are the “common” type of car that people are comfortable driving. In actuality, however, having a larger car might be a better bet for your kids if you are thinking safety. Larger cars often absorb more force impact from accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration these beasts score significantly better than compact or small sized vehicles. [...]

The announcement of the Corvette Centennial concept car at the Chicago Auto Show, introduced by GM, has received various opinions here at Runde. When employees were asked what their opinion was about the concept car there was emotion in the air. Some were taken back, like Al Dellabella of Runde Buick, who said “That looks like something from the 60’s with the front fender and the torpedo rear window.” Others were shocked by the build. They call it a concept car for a reason…” The car is modeled from the original 1959 Stingray racer and will be featured in the upcoming movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen which will be released on June 26th. The Corvette will be the character Sideswipe from the movie (shown below).  There is no plan of the [...]

Becky Kuhl who works in the upstairs office of Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque was kind enough to give us a little of her time and a little insight into what makes her tick.  It’s been said here at Runde’s that Becky is “so very Mary Tyler Moore”.   You can be the judge as you checkout what she had to say:   What do you do here at Runde’s?   I am the Incentive Administrator for Runde Chevrolet. Basically, I report to GM the new Chevrolet units that are sold and then I apply for the correct incentives for each model. For some customer rebates, certain documents are required. I’m the one who ensures that customers present us with the proper documentation at the time of the sale.  [...]

Check out the most recent reviews from Runde Customers. These reviews come from a variety of sources. Some are from reviews that customers posted online and others are from surveys that were mailed out to customers.  Whatever the case, it seems the word on the street about Runde’s is all good.   My fiance, Don Stadel bought his new truck at Runde’s last October or November …. Looking forward to doing more business with Runde’s…We were so pleased with your service and honesty. It was nice to work with such an awesome team….Don was a Ford man and I changed his mind….CHEVY IS THE BEST !!!! and he is so pleased of his choice….we do BRAG on the choice that we have made….. [...]

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show in Davenport, IA.  This automotive extravaganza will be held once again at the River Center February 6th through the 8th.   If you are in the that area this weekend, definitely check it out. Runde Auto Group unfortunately won’t be represented at this auto show as it would be a bit of a long-distance haul to take our new vehicles all the way to the Davenport area.  So why are we taking the time to mention this auto show that’s approximately 70 miles away?  It’s funny you should ask.   Each year the Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show hands out at least one scholarship to a student planning to attend college or an automotive technical trade school.  This award is intended for a student who is actively involved in academic and extra-curricular activities.  The individual also is required to demonstrate achievement in [...]

American auto makers have been thrown under the bus quite frequently over the last few months by members of the media and by members of Congress.  However, Runde Auto Group urges you to seek out factual information about the American auto makers before casting judgment.  Please take a few minutes to look over this brief quiz to see how much you’re actually aware of! QUESTIONS: 1. What country builds vehicles that occupy two of the top three spots for long-term reliability? Germany Japan Korea United States 2.  As of August ’07, which manufacturer had the most recalls in the U.S. that year? Chrysler Ford GM Nissan Toyota Volkswagen 3.  What brand in this group has the highest initial quality?                 Acura  Chevrolet  BMW Mazda 4.  Which of the following mid-size sedans has the highest initial quality? Accord (Honda) Altima (Nissan) Camry (Toyota) Malibu (Chevrolet) 5.  Which of the following pickups has the highest initial quality? [...]

The 2010 Ford Taurus made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show and it was an instant hit.  And this chic design may just be what the doctor ordered to resurrect Ford’s flagship model.   It will be heading to the Chicago Auto Show next and is sure to turn heads. Once upon a time (in 1985), Ford introduced the Taurus and it was immediately ridiculed by some critics who said that it resembled a jelly bean or a flying potato.  Nevertheless, the car’s popularity took off as Americans were eager to buy this mid-sized, unique-looking, front wheel drive car.  For five years straight in the 1990’s this aeronautical spud of a car outsold all other cars on the market as sales were in excess of 400,000 Taurus sedans annually.  During the late 90’s and early 2000’s, Taurus sales steadily declined until they discontinued production of the Taurus altogether in 2006.  Some blame the conservative designing [...]

Chrysler buyers and the American Auto Industry got a shot of adrenalin earlier this week.  Because of the U.S Treasury’s recent move to provide Chrysler Financial with up to $1.5 billion in loan dollars, the lender will now offer 0% financing on select Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models. Qualified new vehicle buyers can apply for 0% interest for up to 60 months on ’08 and ’09 model-year Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, Wrangler, Chrysler Town & Country, 300,  Dodge Grand Caravan, Charger, Magnum, Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram HD, and Challenger. Chrysler vice chairman and president Jim Press had this to say about the announcement, “From both a customer and dealer perspective, it is exciting news that the Treasury Department is providing funding to Chrysler Financial. Now our customers, including those with scores in the 620 range, will be able [...]

We received the following note of thanks this week from the daughter of one of our newest customers … Barbara Schroeder.   We just want to let you now we are so happy with our mother’s purchase.  Wayne Konrardy of your Dubuque area store was great.    Our mother (Barbara Schroeder) was in a car accident and totaled her Chevrolet Malibu which she had purchased through Wayne, and we were able to have Wayne help us again to get her another Malibu which she really wanted because she really liked her other one.   Wayne was great with MOM and made her feel great even though it was a bad situation.  He was able to get her into something 4 years newer and very close in options plus she got heated seats and [...]

Check out this Suzuki Equator walkaround video that was filmed at Runde Auto Group in Hazel Green, WI.  This black Equator is a truck that is sure to turn some heads. The dictionary defines “equator” as an imaginary line that goes around the circumference of the earth. Suzuki defines “Equator” as a non-imaginary truck that will take you practically anywhere you’d like to go on earth. Check out the new Suzuki Equator that recently arrived at Runde Suzuki in Hazel Green, WI:   Equipped with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque or a 4.0-liter V-6 that puts out an impressive 261 hp and 281 lb-ft. 7-year / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Available with the RMZ-4 Off-Road Package. Tows up to 6500 lbs. Kelly Blue Book could hardly believe all that the new Equator has to offer. Check out what they recently had to say about it … [...]

Danica Patrick is now being told to “slow down,” but it’s definitely not coming from her sponsors. It turns out that Danica was recently pulled over for speeding in her hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona.  She was charged with going 54 mph in a 35 mph zone.  She paid the fine of $196 and then went on her merry way. In light of some of the things other celebrities and athletes are getting in trouble for these days, I would say that Danica’s offense is a minor one.  I’m sure that the negative publicity will serve more of a reminder for her to slow down on the suburban streets of America than the $196 ticket ever could. My three year old always wants me to go fast when I’m taking him to daycare in the morning, but I always respond by saying, “No, we have to drive slow and watch out for puppies.”   Sometimes it might be tempting to [...]

We all knew that once the world oil prices started to plummet, fuel prices would soon follow.   It’s nice to finally look up at gas station signs and see  numbers that don’t begin with “3” or “4” as the national average for gas is now at $1.67 a gallon.  Certainly no one is complaining about the current prices after what Americans painfully paid at the pumps for most  of 2008.  In light of all that’s going on in the world right now, it’s definitely nice to have some economic relief somewhere.  With Americans now bragging about how little they paid during their last trip to the pump, truck and SUV sales are appearing like they will be higher than car sales once the ’08 December totals are all [...]

The Midwest can have some ‘interesting’ winter driving conditions throughout the seemingly never-ending winter season. It think it would be a lot easier if we all attended the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and actually learned how to drive in winter conditions. They have three ice-covered tracks with soft snowbanks to use as learning tools. I think all of us can relate to the crazy All-Wheel Drive vehicles flying past us on the interstate and then finding them in the median about a mile up the road. Or there is the other end of the spectrum…the people who have their white knuckles clenched to the wheel driving 35 mph when there is just a dusting of snow on the road.   Mark Cox is the school director at Bridgestone, and he has provided some tips to making it through the winter in one piece. Cox says when drivers are about to get behind [...]

Can you say big snow storm?  For those of us who thought this winter couldn’t be any worse than last year…I think we probably agree by now that this year could prove us wrong. A snow and ice storm swept across the entire state last night, causing pretty much every school in the state to cancel, and caused a lot of businesses to close. I know it has been pretty quiet in here today…a lot of our workers had trouble getting in to work at all, or they were late because of road conditions and snowed-in vehicles. I talked with a few of the staff members who did make it in, and most, if not all, had 4-wheel drive vehicles, and put them to [...]

Is the Key2SafeDriving the answer parents of teenagers are looking for?  Most parents dread the day their babies begin driving, and worry constantly each time they get behind the wheel. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of teen deaths, the 5th leading cause of total deaths in our country, and driving is often a privilege that gets abused by many people. On top of that, 6 percent of drivers on the road are talking on their cell phones while driving, and 10 percent of driving teenagers are either talking or texting. Xuesong Zhou, an assistant professor at the University of Utah, realized these statistics and developed a gadget to help decrease the numbers. He and a recent graduate, Wally Curry, created a cost-effective solution to these issues. The Key2SafeDriving is a gadget that attaches to the car key, and communicates via Bluetooth or RFID (radio-frequency identification) with the cell phone. The engine will only [...]

Every wonder what are the safety leaders or the safest vehicles on the market?  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ran their annual tests on the 2009 model year vehicles. For the first time in history, they have been able to pick at least one vehicle in every class. The tests are based on 11 categories, including front side, reach crash test rations, and whether or not the vehicles have standard or optional electronic stability control. Here are Runde’s Safety Leaders!! Large Cars  Ford Taurus — Optional AWD, 28 MPG, and standard stability control Midsize Cars  Ford Fusion — Optional AWD, 29 MPG, optional stability control Large SUVs  Buick Enclave & Chevrolet Traverse — 7 or 8 passenger, FWD-24 MPG, AWD-22 MPG, 3.6-Liter V6, 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive Midsize SUVs Ford Flex & Taurus X — 7 passengers, 3.5-Liter V6, FWD-24 MPG, AWD-22 MPG, 6 speed automatic transmission with overdrive Ford Edge — [...]

More than 335,000 Americans are employed by the Big 3 Automakers in our country, and Runde Auto Group employs over 120 people in the Tri-State Area. One out of ten people in America are employed in a service that is related to the U.S. auto industry. Please show your support:   and select “I’m a Concerned American” or call: (866) 874-9356!   Imagine what the lack of competition will do the the cost of your next vehicle….no matter what the make is.  The lack of any new domestic makes, will force Americans to buy new imports or used vehicles.  Every American should ask themselves: Will I have to wait longer for my new vehicle because there is a backorder on parts for it?  Will I have to pay substantially more than the suggested list price or book value because of a possible vehicle shortage?   If we were to lose the Big 3, [...]

Timmerman’s Supper Club in East Dubuque just off of Hwy 20 has been a mainstay of the Tri-State community for many, many years.  When Supper Clubs were the rage or the cat’s pajamas back in the 1970’s, Timmerman’s was normally packed with locals who were looking for good times and great food.  There used to be nightly live music from jazz to big band and couples would sip cocktails and enjoy their meals before heading out to the dance floor to trip the light fantastic.  Well supper clubs may have changed a little, but they still continue to thrive in the Dubuque & East Dubuque area and Timmerman’s is arguably the most popular one.  It is also on the Runde short list of favorite for places to eat. I [...]

Thanksgiving Day is tomorrow, and you all know what that means…TURKEY!!  Ms. Donna Ginter, a resident of Dubuque, is about to have her 47th annual FREE Thanksgiving dinner. It will be held at the Dubuque Knights of Columbus on Locust Street. Every year, Ms. Ginter and many volunteers cook SEVENTY 25-pound turkeys and 6 different kinds of salad.  They also buy dinner rolls and pies to feed those less-fortunate or shut-in people in the community. Last year’s meal fed about 2,400 people. Ms. Ginter had about approximately 260 volunteers.  They used 75 cars to deliver meals and they went through 57 turkeys. She organizes 2 festivals during the year (Catfish Festival and Riverfest), and is a food vendor at Dubuquefest. The money she makes at her booth is used to fund the Thanksgiving dinner. She also receives donations throughout the year from people and businesses. This year is a special one for [...]

The Runde PreDriven dealership up by the Three Mile House Supper Club has a new vehicle on the premises: the Suzuki Carry. Imported from Japan, these quality off-road 4WD mini-trucks can be used in the United States as farm utility vehicles, ranch trucks, and hunting vehicles. They can be used on golf courses, in parks, at campgrounds, resorts, schools, municipalities, for nursery/landscaping businesses and more. The uses for these tough little trucks are seemingly endless. Right now only used ones can be purchased in the US. New ones haven’t been mass-imported to the US yet, but if they do ever get here in large numbers, watch out for the Carry! The Carry is used to haul our water tanks for washing vehicles and other equipment needed on the lot. The Carry [...]