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 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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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

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 [...]

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): [...]

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 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 [...]

Runde Chevrolet – Proud Dubuque Event Sponsor This year marks the 25th year of Reflections in the Park – Hillcrest Lights Festival! The event, which raises funds for Hillcrest Family Services, runs through Jan. 4, 2020. It is open 5-10 p.m. daily at Louis Murphy Park in Dubuque. The price is $10 per vehicle at the gate. Don’t miss the Runde Auto Group Silverado display!  Runde Chevrolet is proud to be a sponsor again for this event. Santa will be on hand every Monday in December before Christmas between 5 and 8 p.m. to distribute candy to the youngsters. Dog treats will also be given to canine visitors. Last year, Reflections in the Park was a record-setting [...]

Chevrolet has contributed more than $13 million to the American Cancer Society over the past 10 years with its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. This year is no different, and it is so easy for you to participate as a part of #TeamRunde! For every post on Twitter or Instagram during the month of October that includes the hashtag #IDriveFor, Chevrolet will contribute $5 to the American Cancer Society (up to $220,000). So tell us, who do you drive for?

You may have noticed many vehicles on the Runde Auto Group website labeled as Service Loaner Specials. These are vehicles that were previously part of our service loaner fleet, so they were loaned out to customers who had their vehicle in for service. They are mostly used locally and have about 2,000 to 3,000 miles on them at the time of sale. The benefit of purchasing a service loaner is that you can save up to $2,000 ON TOP of all the typical rebates that come with a new vehicle!  Many local customers from Dubuque and the surrounding area have taken advantage of these service loaner specials.  And it’s often better than purchasing a program vehicles.  Program vehicles are most often vehicles that were previously owned and rented out by [...]

Bill and Joslyn Seefeldt from Milton, WI (just north of Janesville) drove a couple hours to buy their new Chevy Sonic mostly because of Runde Auto Group’s dedication to customer service. “We contacted several dealers in our neighborhood and they said it would be too hard to get the car or it wouldn’t be efficient for them to get the exchange,” Bill said. The couple got what they wanted at Runde’s: a new Chevy Sonic LT, with a turbocharged engine. The hatchback vehicle will be used as a work car for Joslyn, who is a farrier (which is a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming and balancing of horses’ hooves and the placing of shoes on their hooves). “I wanted something that was very fuel efficient and the new Chevy Sonic will be a work car for me,” Joslyn said. “I drove one over the winter when my truck was laid up and [...]

1. Check your Lights before driving at night. Darkness is definitely not your friend – despite everything we’ve heard from Simon and Garfunkel. It’s very important to make sure that the headlight bulbs you are using to tear through that darkness is effective. Check all of your lights for clarity and proper functionality – head, tail, braking, turn, fog… the whole nine yards.  Slap on those hazards, get out and see if all your lights are flashing correctly. If you are without friend/human companion you can check to make sure your brake lights are working by backing up towards a reflective surface (building, window, etc.) and see if you can see your brake lights in the reflection. You may also consider getting your headlights properly aimed. Poorly aligned headlights can blind other drivers and limit your road visibility.  If you’ve had any damage to the front of your vehicle from a previous car accident, it [...]

If you noticed fireworks lighting up the western skies this past Friday, what you were probably witnessing was part of the festivities for the Annual Peosta Parade and Fun Day.   The sixth annual Peosta Days event was held in conjunction with the Annual Fireman’s Auction and the extravaganza promised something for kids of all ages. Friday’s events included the brilliant fireworks, skydivers, good food & drinks and live music featuring the band Hard Salami. On Saturday, the Peosta Days Parade took place and Doug Weig and his wife Angela were able to get some great shots of the Runde Chevrolet truck they drove in the parade.  It started at Mi-T-M and it ended up at the Peosta Rec Center. Doug said that it was a good time for everyone.   But the most intriguing event was one that I had never heard of … Cow Pie Bingo.  Doug said that he wanted to play, but it [...]

Needless to say that this new design for the new Ford Fusion has been very well received at the Chicago Auto Show this week and people’s comments have been very favorable toward it.  The video below was shot by Runde Auto Group  — The noise in the background of the vid was coming from the new Shelby Mustang presentation across the room and we’ll post the video of that soon.  People were definitely all a-buzz about the Shelby, but this new Fusion is definitely gorgeous. The new Ford Fusion design is only about 1 inch longer and 1/2 inch wider than the previous Fusion, but it looks a lot longer than its predecessor mainly due to an extended wheelbase that’s almost 5 inches longer than the 2012 version.  A new inline 4-cylinder 1.6 Liter EcoBoost engine will be available on the all-new Fusion.  And this optional turbo engine will produce 179 horsepower and 172 lb-ft [...]

Jordan Frakes & Lindsey Rossow from Iowa City visited the Runde used car dealership near Dubuque today to pick up Jordan’s new ride.  He was forced to find a replacement for his previous car that was totaled after someone pulled out in from of him.  Jordan and Lindsey are currently students at the University of Iowa and they kindly gave me a few minutes of their time before making the trek back to Iowa City. What Brought you into Runde’s?    Jordan: I saw the car online at Cars.com and I liked what I saw so I called you guys up and scheduled a time to drive it and then we talked about the price for awhile. What car was it?   Jordan: It was a 2006 Pontiac G6 [...]

Ralph and Jane Rollins were looking at Dubuque dealerships for their upcoming new vehicle purchase.  They finally found the perfect one at a local Dubuque dealership. Both of these incredible people work at two different high schools in Dubuque. They were nice enough to sit down with me and share their experience at Runde Auto Group and a little bit about themselves. What brought you into Runde’s today? We found the vehicle we were looking for on the Cars.com website and it was listed at Runde’s. So we called in and got Al on the phone and now we are driving home with our new Durango. What did you think of your experience here? It was great. Al was very friendly, personable and accommodating.  He’s very passionate about his job [...]