“Project Echelon is a veteran’s non-profit organization that educates, equips and empowers veterans and their families through physical activity and self discovery. It was founded on April 1, 2016 through the collaborative efforts of Eric Beach, an Iraq War Veteran, and Eric Hill, a community leader in education, servant leadership, and supporting active service members and veterans.”  After learning about project Echelon it was an easy decision to become one of their sponsors. We hope our sponsorship is able to help them grow and serve even more veterans in the future.     When asked what these sponsorships mean for the project, Eric Hill states. “Support from companies like Runde Auto Group, who are embedded and invested in their communities, is essential to the success, sustainability, and scalability of our organization. As an organization, we serve over 250 veterans a year with coaching, mentoring, equipment and event scholarships, and other supports. The Project Echelon organization [...]

Runde Auto Group is excited to announce that Doug Frank of East Dubuque will be joining the Runde Staff as their new Marketing Director! Doug has had various marketing roles since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2012. “I am excited to learn more about the auto industry and be a part of a company that has been serving the Tri-State community for nearly 100 years.” When not in the office, Doug spends his time renovating his home and relaxing with his wife (Catie) and their two dogs (Millie & Lola). If you would like to talk about a sponsorship or marketing opportunity, please reach out to Doug Frank at marketing@rundeautogroup.com or visit our donation/sponsorship request page.        

Major automakers are funneling millions of dollars into building electric vehicles and an infrastructure to charge them, but many drivers are still hesitant to make the switch from the traditional gas-powered vehicles they have driven all their lives to a battery-powered ride. They have questions about range, charging, and driving long distances, as well as confusion about EV concepts like regen paddles, one-pedal driving, and more. Who better to ask these questions, than electric vehicle owners themselves? In this series, we will be sharing the experiences of Runde customers who have made the transition to being an EV owner. Meet Jacob Puls, of East Dubuque, who recently leased his first electric vehicle, a 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV. As a salesperson at Runde Chevrolet, Jacob has sold his fair share of electric vehicles, but had yet to own one. “In all honesty, I talked my brother into it (his twin brother is Jared Puls, whose EV story [...]

  Major automakers are funneling millions of dollars into building electric vehicles and an infrastructure to charge them. But many drivers are still hesitant to make the switch from the traditional gas-powered vehicles they have driven all their lives to a battery-powered ride. They have questions about range, charging, and driving long distances, as well as confusion about EV concepts like regen paddles, one-pedal driving, and more. Who better to ask these questions, than electric vehicle owners themselves? In this series, we will be sharing the experiences of Runde customers who have made the transition to an EV. Meet Jesse Green, of Dubuque, a proud owner of his third electric vehicle. He recently drove [...]

Major automakers are funneling millions of dollars into building electric vehicles and an infrastructure to charge them. But many drivers are still hesitant to make the switch from the traditional gas-powered vehicles they have driven all their lives to a battery-powered ride. They have questions about range, charging, and driving long distances, as well as confusion about EV concepts like regen paddles, one-pedal driving, and more. Who better to ask these questions, than electric vehicle owners themselves? In this series, we will be sharing the experiences of Runde customers who have made the transition to an EV. Meet Jared Puls, of East Dubuque, who bought his first-ever electric vehicle a few months ago when he joined [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 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, [...]

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

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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Reflections in the Park has become a Dubuque tradition.  The annual light festival, which raises funds for Hillcrest Family Services, runs Nov. 26 through Jan. 3 at Louis Murphy Park in Dubuque. The price is $10 per vehicle at the gate. (Discounted tickets for $8 are available at all DB&T banking centers as well as Hillcrest locations.) There will also be a one-night-only walk through event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The cost is the same and children 3 and under are free. Each person requires a ticket for the walk through. Runde Auto Group is proud to be a continued sponsor for this event. As you make your way through the park, watch out for our Chevrolet Silverado display, along with the many unique light displays from other area businesses and lighted memorials for loved ones in [...]

When purchasing a vehicle, your credit score plays a major role in whether or not banks or credit unions will agree to offer you financing. Plus, the higher your score, the lower your interest rates will be. Unfortunately for many people their credit score is bit of a mystery. How does it get calculated? How can someone raise their score? What is the difference between “hard” and “soft” credit inquiries? First, the basics: Your credit score is a number calculated by credit bureaus to describe your creditworthiness – how likely you are to repay your loan on time. It can range from the 300s to the 800s. The higher the score, the better. Credit scores fluctuate with time and changes in your credit performance. Most recent credit activities carry the most weight. Past credit issues fade over time. Your score is made up of five components (This information is from Dupaco Community Credit Union): [...]

Enjoy this day-by-day recap of Runde sales manager Aaron Young’s Jeep adventure with his daughter, Josie: 2020 has been an interesting year to say the least. My daughter, Josie, and I decided to plan a much needed vacation to the Carolinas and enjoy some lazy time on the beach, see a lot of historical sites and explore, explore, explore! Seemed simple, but as we were within just a couple of weeks of going, Covid-19 cases were spiking in that area and regulations/shutdowns were a big unknown. Some of the metro areas were seeing violence break out and to top it off, there was a tropical storm headed that way. The idea of heading into all of that no longer seemed relaxing to either of us, so we tossed those plans away and made a new one: a Jeep adventure. Head out west and wing it, literally. No plans can be ruined when you [...]