The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is re-defining the high-performance pick-up. Much like its raptor namesake, the truck is a powerhouse of strength and speed. The numbers don’t lie: With a Hellcat 3.2L Hemi V-8 engine, the TRX can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. It has 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, can tow 8,100 pounds, and can ford up to 32 inches of water! “The all-new 2021 Ram TRX sets the benchmark for extreme performance pickup trucks and solidifies Ram Truck’s position as the off-road truck leader,” said Mike Koval, Head of Ram Brand, FCA – North America, in a press release. “Ram has a strong history of high-performance trucks and TRX adds to that while expanding the light-duty [...]

If you plan on participating in trick-or-treating this year, here are some ideas to keep the festivities safe and fun: Table Trick-or-Treat: Set up a table in your driveway or yard and decorate it with Halloween décor. Set out pre-packaged candy or other items for children to take. Weather-permitting, set up chairs at least 6 feet apart from the table to greet kids and see their costumes. Fun face masks: Try to include a face mask into your child’s costume, but feel free to get crafty to make it a part of the costume. Or purchase a Halloween-themed mask for the occasion! Candy Sticks: Attach candy to skewers and place them in your front yard for children to each take one. Candy chute: Create a six-foot-long cardboard tube [...]

Please join us in welcoming Nic Spriggs to the sales team at Runde Chevrolet Buick GMC in Platteville, WI! Nic grew up in Potosi, WI, playing high school basketball, baseball, and football. While he hasn’t previously worked in the automotive industry, he is catching on quickly and enjoying learning the ropes. “I like meeting new people and being able to help them out, so being an automotive salesperson is perfect,” he says. “My goal as a salesperson is to give every customer the best car buying experience possible so that they will always want to come back again.” His dream vehicle? A Rolls Royce Phantom. “They look awesome and they come equipped with some really crazy features,” he says. In his spare time, Nic enjoys watching and playing sports, as well as hanging out [...]

The 2021 Chevy Corvette brings together all the exciting aspects of the mid-engine’s 2020 debut, plus some new content, all with carryover pricing. Just like the introductory model, the 2021 Corvette’s MSRP will start at $59,995 for the coupe and $67,495 for the convertible. “Our mission was to develop a new sports car, combining the successful attributes of Corvette with the performance and driving experience of mid-engine supercars,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette executive chief engineer, in a press release. “We are thrilled with the enthusiasm the mid-engine Corvette brought following its launch and are keeping it fresh with new content for the 2021 model.” What’s new for 2021? Standard Buckle to Drive, a safety technology that, when active, can prevent the driver from shifting the vehicle out of Park if the driver’s seat belt is not buckled for up to 20 seconds. Paint colors, including Silver Flare Metallic and Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat Magnetic [...]

Please join us in welcoming our newest member of the service team at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester: Tim Tacy! Tim and his wife Lori moved to Manchester from Dallas, Texas, about 2 ½ years ago. “I am new to the automotive industry, but have been in sales for over 30 years,” Tim says. “My background is in the Datacom and telecommunications industry.” In his spare time, he enjoys reading, fishing, playing with his Beagle, and target shooting. He is looking forward to meeting new people each day and learning the ins and outs of the auto industry. “I love working with people and figured this was the perfect industry to be able to do that,” he says. “I appreciate the opportunity to be a member of the Runde Automotive family.” If you are looking to set up a service appointment for an oil change or you need a new set of [...]

Please join us in welcoming Brent Phillips to the sales team at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque! Brent, who was born and raised in Dubuque, is new to automotive sales. He has worked in auto repair in the past and also owned Murph’s Tap in Dubuque for four years. “I have always enjoyed being around vehicles and this gave me an opportunity to do that every day while earning a living,” he says. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and camping with his wife Sarah and two daughters, 8-year-old Samantha, and 4-year-old Brianna, and their dog Jethro. He also enjoys grilling and doing anything outside. His favorite vehicle is the Chevy Camaro – specifically the early and late model second generation Camaros. “I had an ’81 the last year of the second [...]

Buick is envisioning a stylish new version of the Buick Envision for the 2021 model year. “The 2021 Envision will be lower and wider, with premium proportions and striking styling designed to combine the expressiveness of a car with the practicality of an SUV,” said Helen Emsley, executive director of Global Buick and GMC Design, in a press release. The fresh SUV is debuting not only a new look, but also a premium Avenir trim for the first time, as well as Buick’s first available 10-inch diagonal touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system will include useful in-vehicle apps, such as Amazon Alexa built-in, Spotify, Pandora, Fox Sports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 2021 Buick Envision comes with a laundry list of standard safety features, including: Automatic Emergency [...]

While electric vehicles are the future, many drivers don’t know what it’s like to own and drive one. Chevrolet wants to change that with its new Bolt EV Academy. The 15-video series aims to educate current and future Bolt EV owners on the advantages of living electric and how to get the most out of their electric vehicle. They hope to illustrate how fun, easy, and convenient it is to incorporate an electric vehicle into your lifestyle. The videos are hosted by engineers and experts who created the Bolt EV. They can be accessed on Chevrolet’s YouTube channel, Chevrolet.com, the MyChevy app, and in the Chevrolet Owner Center. Topics include: Home Charging Basics This video covers how to improve cost-effectiveness as well as customize your preferred charging [...]

The staff of Runde Auto Group would like to thank you for your business, support, and for being our customer at our dealerships in East Dubuque, Hazel Green, Platteville, and Manchester. We are thankful that you have continued to choose us for your vehicle sales and service needs. Deemed essential business, our dealerships remain open during this time. We continue to help you with sales and service while practicing social distancing and with enhanced hygiene procedures throughout our dealerships. For service, we can pick up your vehicle at your home or work and deliver it back to you when service is complete. For sales, we can bring a vehicle to your home for a test drive, and work the deal completely by phone or email. You can fill out an online trade evaluation and online credit application, and browse over 1,500 vehicles on our website – all shown with real prices and up-to-date [...]

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was recently named the 2020 Best New Family Car in the minivan category by Good Housekeeping, in partnership with Car and Driver! The popular minivan has earned more than 130 industry honors and accolades since its re-introduction a couple years ago as a replacement to the Chrysler Town & Country. The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was revealed at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show and is expected to arrive at Runde Auto Group in Manchester later this year.   With thoughtful extras like Stow ‘N Go seating, an on-board vacuum, and tons of storage, the Pacifica is as comfortable and functional as a living room on wheels. Now it also is available with all-wheel drive on all gas models, making it the only minivan to offer both AWD [...]

The all-new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer has arrived at Runde Auto Group! First sold from 2001 to 2009, the Trailblazer was a well-loved SUV that is still seen on the road today. This refreshed 5-passenger Trailblazer is a small SUV – it is larger than the Trax, but smaller than the Blazer. Cargo space is the name of the game in the Trailblazer. Not only can the rear seats fold flat, but so can the front passenger seat (on LS and LT models), which provides room for items up to 8 ½ feet long!   The family-friendly vehicle has 10 airbags, along with a number of standard safety features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking Forward Collision Alert Front Pedestrian Braking Following Distance Indicator Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning Rear Vision Camera Teen [...]

Are your Illinois license plates expiring? All Illinois Secretary of State offices and Driver Services facilities are closed to the public until Dec. 7. “After careful consideration, we have decided to close all Driver Services facilities until December 7, due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic,” said White, in a press release. “The health and safety of employees and the public remains paramount and face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus. We have extended expiration dates to assist people during this difficult time.” While facilities are closed, White is encouraging residents to take advantage of many online services – such as renewing vehicle registration stickers – from the comfort of their own home. People who conduct online transactions will further help to reduce the number of transactions that will occur at Driver [...]

Runde Auto Group has been selling vehicles online long before COVID-19, so we are well-prepared to help you buy your next vehicle online from the comfort of your home. No matter what step you are currently at in the buying process, we have the online tools to help you. Step One: Researching Trying to decide between leasing or buying? Read this article or take this quiz. Also check out these current lease prices to help you make a decision. Try this payment calculator to see what monthly payment you might expect so you can plan your budget accordingly. Not sure what vehicle you want? Check out this information on fuel economy, as well as safety. Here’s a look at the difference between trading in [...]

How are your windshield wipers? This rainy weather is a great reminder to replace them if needed! You should replace your wipers if: They are streaking, hazing, clicking, or smearing when wiping the windshield The wipers blades have missing pieces or uneven edges They are pulling away from the windshield Cracks are visible on the wiper blade Pat Timmerman, service manager at Runde Chevrolet, said most people replace their wiper blades annually. “The obvious reason is so they can see well in the rain and snow,” he said. “But also when wiper blades are damaged and chattering on the glass, they can scratch the windshield.” Runde Auto Group has AC Delco wiper blades (Advantage and OE lines), which cost $17.95 and up per blade, plus [...]

Automakers like GM, Ford, and FCA have joined in to help fight the Coronavirus by partnering with other corporations to address shortages of face masks, ventilators, and other medical equipment. GM and Ventec Life Systems, in cooperation with StopTheSpread.org, are collaborating to increase Ventec’s production of respiratory care products, according to this press release. “We are working closely with Ventec to rapidly scale up production of their critically important respiratory products to support our country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mary Barra, GM Chairman and CEO in the press release. “We will continue to explore ways to help in this time of crisis.” Using GM’s logistics, purchasing and manufacturing power will aid Ventec to build more of the respiratory products that are needed across the country during the pandemic. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is manufacturing and donating more than 1 million protective face masks per month. The masks are to be donated to police, [...]

What are the most popular vehicles in the Dubuque area? What paint color is purchased the most? We pulled reports for new vehicle sales at Runde Auto Group – in East Dubuque, IL; Platteville, WI; and Manchester, IA – to get an idea of what drivers prefer. According to the 67th annual Global Automotive Color Popularity Report by Axalta, a coatings company headquartered in Pennsylvania, white is the most popular vehicle color in the world with 38%.  Black and grey follow it with 19% and 13%, respectively. Runde Auto Group’s 2019 new vehicle sales mostly matched those results, with white and black topping the list. Axalta noted that white has been the top automotive color worldwide since 2011. Of last year’s new vehicle sales [...]

Runde Chevrolet salesperson Mark “Flop” Fleege attended the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Sales Academy back in January! Held in Pahrump, Nevada, the class gave Chevrolet salespeople from around the country an opportunity to learn about the new mid-engine Corvette. The two-day academy took place both in the classroom and on the track. “We got to see the bare frame of the new Corvette right next to the frame of the old Corvette so we could compare the two,” Mark said. “It was interesting to learn how they built it and all the new features.” One of the major highlights for Mark was getting to put the pedal to the metal in the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray, driving over 100 mph on a track. (video below) “It was awesome, I can’t wait to [...]

6-1-21 UPDATE 7-31-20 UPDATE 5-15-20 UPDATE During the COVID-19 epidemic, now more than ever, cleanliness is of the utmost importance. That’s why we have committed to being a Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC Clean Dealer. We are committed to using enhanced vehicle cleaning measures with CDC-approved cleansers before delivering your vehicle after purchase or service, including cleaning your instrument panel, hard and plastic surfaces, seats, and carpet. We care about you and your vehicle. This is just another way that we go above and beyond to show it.

Remember the Hummer? Introduced back in 1992, it was a gas-guzzling machine. Its successor, the first-ever GMC Hummer EV pickup is set to be quite the opposite. Running only on electricity, the GMC Hummer EV SUT will have 1,000 horsepower, 11,50 lb-ft of torque, go 0-60 mph in 3 seconds, and offer exceptional off-road ability. It will be revealed on May 20 with a livestream on gmc.com, which will also introduce the vehicle’s engine specifications and price. Pre-orders will be opened at that time.  GM will start production of the Hummer in September 2021 at its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant, which is currently being re-tooled to produce electric vehicles. The vehicle will be available at Runde Auto Group in Platteville in the fall of 2021. Another exciting aspect of this “quiet revolution,” is the [...]

The Chevy Equinox is getting a face lift for the 2021 model year. Coming to Runde Auto Group this fall, the refreshed Equinox will feature a more aggressive grille and re-designed front and rear fascia – giving it a stance and appearance similar to the new Chevy Blazer. The 2021 Equinox will debut an all-new RS trim, which gives it a sporty, street-inspired look. It includes a gloss black grille, 19” dark android wheels, black bowties, black badging, black side rails, an RS shift knob, eye-catching red stitching, and black interior upholstery. The vehicle will have available 1.5 or 2.0L turbo engines, 6 or 9-speed auto transmissions, and available AWD. The 2020 Equinox earned the National Highway Traffic Safety [...]

Runde’s is the Best Dealership in the Dubuque Area – Best Fest Winner The dictionary defines the word “best” as follows: noun – that which is the most excellent, outstanding, or desirable.  From a yet more extended point of view, one could sum up that definition simply as “something great that many people want”.  This is likely an important clue as to why Runde Auto Group has blossomed into the largest dealer group in the Tri-States over the past 20 years.    2020 Best Fest Voting A big shout of thanks goes out to the residents of the Tri-State community because after all the votes had been tallied, Runde Auto Group once again stood alone as the titleholder for “Best [...]

The first Buick Encore GX recently arrived at Runde Auto Group.  This is a new crossover model with a familiar name.  Is it the same vehicle as the current Buick Encore?  Absolutely not.  The current Encore is a sub-compact SUV.  The Encore GX is an entirely new vehicle that is both longer and wider than the Buick Encore.  In terms of size, the Encore GX is just in between the Envision and the Encore. This attractive little SUV is essentially the Buick version of the upcoming all-new Chevrolet Trailblazer that is due to be released a little later this year. It will be priced at [...]

The next-generation of the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL will arrive at Runde Auto Group in Platteville this summer. Bigger and bolder than ever, the new 2021 GMC Yukon will come in SLE, SLT, and Denali trims – and now the first-ever Yukon AT4 (available in late summer 2020)! It will deliver best-in-class 420 horsepower with the new available 6.2L V8 engine (standard on Denali). The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission offering 460 lb-ft of torque. You will be riding on a cloud with the all-new available Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, which [...]

                Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque, IL, and Runde Chevrolet Buick GMC in Platteville, WI, are anxiously awaiting the newest generation of full-size SUVs from Chevrolet. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, iconic SUVs that offer a perfect combination of class, comfort, and cargo room, will debut a new look in the 2021 model year. The Tahoe is America’s best-selling full-size SUV, while the Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in automotive history at 85 years. “There are no vehicles like the 2021 Suburban & Tahoe – which have starred in Hollywood movies, carried military heroes and world leaders, and helped create countless family memories,” said Barry Engle, executive vice president and president, General Motors North America, in a press release. “We’ve taken what people love about these pioneering SUVs and made them even better – adding more room for people and cargo, more advanced technology and an unrivaled driving [...]

Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award Winners Kelley Blue Book recently announced the winners of its sixth annual Best Buy Awards! In naming the winning vehicles, they look for “the best combination of quality, comfort, driving dynamics, dependability, low ownership costs and affordability,” according to KBB’s website. Here are the winners we have in stock at Runde Auto Group:   Full Size Pickup Truck: 2020 Ford F-150 This is the sixth time the Ford F-150 has been named among the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award Winners! Items noted by KBB include: Choice of six engines, including diesel [...]