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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

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): [...]

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 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 [...]

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 [...]

  Dodgeville is a picturesque town in the heart of southern Wisconsin.   The Dodgeville area is home to nearly 5000 residents and it's the largest township in Iowa County.  Agriculture is one of the most important parts of the entire county's economy, but Lands' End is easily the largest area employer as their headquarters are based right in the center of Dodgeville where they employ thousands of local workers.  For anyone who's ever been to Dodgeville, they instantly picture the beautiful rolling hills of the landscape. With gorgeous rolling hillsides dotting the entire countryside, it's a great place to live as well as a wonderful spot to visit for a weekend getaway.  Runde Chevrolet GMC Buick Runde Chevrolet has been serving the Dodgeville area for many years.  Because of the previously mentioned sloping landscape, Dodgeville residents often look to purchase an all-wheel-drive or 4wd vehicle like an SUV or truck.  And d [...]

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 [...]

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is arguably the most attractive compact electric vehicle on the market today.  Chevrolet really did a nice job with the styling of this electric hatchback.  Dubuque is only about one mile away from Runde Chevrolet just across the bridge and it also happens to be the best place to check out or test drive a new Chevy Bolt.  Over the past thirty years or so, Dubuque has become well-known in the eastern Iowa area as a tourist hot spot.  A lot of this started back in the late 1980's when the Dubuque Greyhound Racing Park opened up down by the river.  I can remember my dad taking us down there in his new Chevy when I was still in high school.  My sisters and I weren't allowed to bet because of the strict laws against minors going anywhere near the wager windows, but it was a lot of fun watching the dogs run and watching the adult spectators become either infuriated or ecstatic depending on the race [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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.

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 [...]