Another Chevrolet nameplate from years past is making a comeback … the 2021 Trailblazer. General Motors recently debuted the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, a small SUV that is sized between the larger Equinox and the smaller Trax. While product specifications are not yet available, the vehicle will include an RS trim with a standard two-tone roof. “The Trailblazer’s great design enables more personalization,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet passenger car and crossover marketing, in a press release. “Trailblazer is a continuation of the design language for Chevy’s crossover family and extends our momentum into one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments.” Standard active safety features will include Front Pedestrian Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. It also offers optional Adaptive [...]

Looking to purchase a new Chevrolet Bolt EV or Volt? Now is the time – before the federal tax credit changes! In order to be eligible for the full federal tax credit of $7,500*, the vehicle must be purchased and delivered by March 31. After that, the federal tax credit amount will go down to $3,750* *Each person’s tax situation is unique. Consult your tax professional prior to claiming any tax-related credits.   Click here for more information • Shop Runde Auto Group new Chevy Volts The Volt is a high-tech plugin hybird that offers efficiency, state-of-the-art technology and safety features. 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery [...]

The all-new Ford Ranger has landed at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester, IA! This mid-size Ford Ranger truck was unfortunately discontinued in 2011, but now the engineers and designers at Ford Motors have resurrected this popular nameplate and given the Ranger a whole new look and buyers are extremely excited about it. “Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president of Product Development and Purchasing, in a press release. “The all-new Ranger is designed for today’s mid-size truck buyer, delivering even more utility, capability and technology for those who blend city living with more off-the-grid adventures on the weekend.”

Our Runde employee, Joe Gourley, was on location at the Chicago Auto Show on Friday!   Here are some pictures from his visit. The Chicago Auto Show takes place in the McCormick Place civic center on the southern portion of Downtown Chicago near Soldier Field and the Field Museum. The Auto Show features domestic & import cars, trucks, SUV’s and vans as will as not-yet-released concept cars. In all, approximately 900-1000 different vehicles are displayed at this event annually. It’s a great place to take your family, but remember that the best time to go is early in the morning on weekdays. If you go on a weekend, you can expect to see tons of people there and lines for some exhibits can be extremely long. So try go early on weekdays, if possible, to avoid the large crowds.

The all-new 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is set to go on sale this fall! With a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine producing more than 700 horsepower, the vehicle is capable of 0-60 mph in just over 3 seconds. “A takedown artist, the new 2020 Shelby GT500 will surprise supercar owners with its Ford Performance racing tech, supercharged engine, and visceral swagger,” said Jim Farley, Ford President of Global Markets, in a press release. The first Shelby GT500 was recently auctioned off for $1.1 million to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Craig Jackson, chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson, was the winning bidder. The vehicle is the most powerful street-legal Ford ever with sub-11 minute quarter-mile scores. It has the best cornering and largest brakes of any domestic sports coupe. “With its supercar-level powertrain, the all-new Shelby GT500 takes the sixth-generation Mustang to a performance [...]

Choosing a drivetrain for a vehicle you’re looking to purchase can seem complicated.  The drivetrain you eventually select depends on a lot of factors including: the amount of money you’re looking to spend and what geographic area you live in. For those that live in an area like the tri-states where winter makes traveling tough, a common question among vehicle buyers is which drivetrain is best for their needs. The differences between all-wheel drive (AWD), four-wheel drive (4WD/4×4), front-wheel drive (FWD), and rear-wheel drive (RWD) can be confusing. Front-wheel drive is exactly what it sounds like, the engine’s power is routed to the front wheels. Most sedans are front-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive, which is typically used in high performance vehicles and trucks, sees the engine’s power routed to the rear wheels. It provides better traction if you are pulling a heavy load, but provides less [...]

The Blazer is back! The first all-new Chevy Blazer has landed at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque, IL and it is a STUNNER. Many people in the Dubuque area remember the last generation of the Chevy S-10 Blazer.  It was such a nice-riding vehicle with a quality build.  The exterior was definitely sharp-looking and the interior had seats that were placed lower to the floor than other SUV’s from that time so it often gave owners the feel like they were driving a car.  Of course they still had the comfort of knowing that they were riding around in a fully-capable frame-on-body 4-wheel-drive vehicle and Dubuque Chevrolet owners very much appreciated that in regards to the Blazer because they knew they could navigate the hills and valleys of Dubuque [...]

Is it a Jeep? Is it a truck? It’s BOTH! The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator, set to arrive in dealerships soon, is a bit of a hybrid between a Jeep Wrangler and a pickup truck. The vehicle is a reincarnation of the Jeep Gladiator truck built from 1963 to 1987. (Check out this history of Jeep trucks) The new mid-size pickup offers best-in-class towing (7,650 pounds) and 4×4 payload capacity (1,600 pounds), as well as composed on-road driving dynamics and passenger safety. The truck is at home when its off-road thanks to Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4×4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited slip differential, segment-exclusive sawy-bar disconnect, and 33-inch off-road tires. It will be available in four trims: Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon. “Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognizable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure,” said Tim Kuniskis, [...]

Motor Trend Awards were recently announced for 2019 vehicle(s) “Of the Year” and Jeep and Ram vehicles had a big showing! The 2019 Jeep Wrangler was named SUV of the Year, while the Ram 1500 was named Truck of the Year. “The Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 are significant products at FCA; concurrently winning Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year and Truck of the Year titles is a proud accomplishment, and a testament to the capability and determination of our employees,” said Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, in a press release. The awards also recognized the late Sergio Marchionne, former FCA CEO, as the 2019 Person of the [...]

The 2020 Chevy Silverado HD is coming! The most capable and advanced Silverado ever, it will also be the third all-new Silverado model from Chevy in just 18 months. “We know the needs and priorities of heavy-duty customers are different than those of either light-duty or medium-duty customers,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, chief engineer, Silverado HD, in a press release. “As such, we built a heavy-duty truck tailor-made for them that has more differentiation than ever before from light-duty models, offers advanced towing technologies to improve towing confidence, and includes new features such as the integrated Bedstep, which makes it easier to access the bed while pulling a fifth-wheel trailer.” Built in Flint, Michigan, the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD exterior shares only the roof with the Silverado 1500 – every other [...]

It’s that time of year again … National Name Your Car Day. Do you have a name for your car?  If so, then what do you call your vehicle? If you are like most people, you refer to it as “Baby,” or some other two-syllable name beginning with a B. In honor of “National Name Your Car Day,” Cars.com surveyed drivers, finding 53 percent of American drivers who name their cars use a name starting with the letter B. Of those drivers who name their vehicle, 70 percent are men. * According to the survey, these are the top 10 most popular car names: 1. Baby 2. Betsy 3. Ruby 4. Betty 5. Beast 6. Max 7. Bertha 8. Pearl 9. Frank 10. Christine

The all-new 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 is HERE! One hundred years after the first Silverado was delivered in 1918, the next-generation Silverado was created with feedback from more than 7,000 customers on what they wanted in their next truck. “With the all-new Silverado, we’ve taken the best truck on the road and made it even better,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain in a press release. “It has a longer wheelbase, more passenger and cargo volume, and yet, thanks to our mixed materials strategy and mass reduction expertise, the new truck is 450 pounds lighter than the current model.” The Silverado’s grille and headlights are completely refreshed, and Chevrolet is stamped across the truck’s rear bumper. The Z71 Crew Cab model features twin chrome tailpipes.

Chevrolet is bringing back the much-loved Blazer, but with a dramatically different look. “The Blazer has attitude,” says John Cafaro, executive director of Global Chevrolet Design, in a press release. “It looks commanding on the road, while fulfilling the promise of versatility at the heart of every Chevy crossover and SUV.” The five-passenger Blazer is larger than the Equinox and smaller than the Traverse, offering consumers a mid-size choice in Chevrolet SUVs. Offered in models ranging from sporty RS to upper-level Premier, the vehicle will offer unique design elements on each model to appeal to a variety of drivers. “The [...]

The all-new 2019 Buick Envision has arrived at Runde Chevrolet Buick GMC in Platteville, WI. The re-designed luxury SUV has a new grille, sculpted front and rear, and new wheel choices. “Some of the 2019 Envision’s most notable changes are the results of listening to our customers,” said Elizabeth Pilibosian, chief Envision engineer, in a press release. “Beneath the updated exterior are a number of changes guided by a goal of offering the most refined and pleasant driving experience possible.” One of those customer-guided changes is a stop/start deactivation switch on the instrument panel. This allows the driver to choose whether to use the stop/start function. Small tweaks throughout the vehicle make for a better driver experience: the seat heating system warms up more [...]

Chevrolet’s car lineup is getting a face lift for 2019. The Malibu and Spark will feature more sporty styling, enhanced features, and a wider variety of choices on trims, packages, and models. “We are committed to offering consumers a full lineup of products with fresh designs, new technologies and efficient powertrain options,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. Vice President of Chevrolet, in a press release. “The investments we have made in Spark and Malibu will help position the brand for success in competitive segments that still make up a significant part of the total industry.” All three vehicles will include Chevy’s signature lighting on the front and back. The front ends are re-designed, but the vehicles still have their athletic body sides. “The re-styled face of Chevy cars for 2019 is characterized by a family-like appearance, with each model honoring its [...]

GMC recently revealed the first-ever GMC Sierra AT4! While it is an off-road capable vehicle, the AT4 still has the refinement and technologies GMC is known for, making it ideal for both the open road and an off-road adventure. “The AT4 brings new levels of refinement and innovative technology — a formula that no one else in the industry currently delivers,” said Alan Batey, EVP and President of GM North America, in the vehicle’s reveal video. The exterior of the vehicle is based on the next generation 2019 GMC Sierra, with tweaks including body color front and rear bumpers and grille surround, black chrome throughout, high gloss black finish on the window trim and mirror caps, and a few touches of red to complete the look.

The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 recently rolled onto the lot at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester! The most notable difference at first glance is the truck’s grille, which is larger and more aggressive. There are six different grille styles to choose from. The truck itself is lighter — it weighs nearly 225 pounds less than the previous model — but stronger, with an increased payload of 2,300 pounds, and maximum trailer tow of 12,750 pounds. “The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 delivers a non-compromise approach to the full-size truck segment with strength, durability, technology, and efficiency,” said Mike Manley, head of Ram brand, in a press release. “The Ram 1500 stands out as the benchmark in a very competitive market.”

The Chevrolet 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD made their debut at the NTEA The Work Truck Show in Indianapolis today! These heavy duty Silverados are perfect for a wide variety of businesses, such as lawn and garden, automotive, concrete work, electrical work, water/sewer/utility lines, highway and street construction, and special trade contractors. “Chevy’s designers and engineers were obsessed with making this Silverado the most customer-focused medium duty truck of any major competitor,” said Ed Peper, U.S. Vice President of GM Fleet, in a press release. “By customer-focused, I mean work-ready trucks that are easy to upfit, easy to drive, easy to service, and easy to own.” Developers took input from fleet managers, truck drivers, upfitters, technicians, and Chevy dealers. The vehicles will be available in 2WD and [...]

The all-new 2019 GMC Sierra was revealed on Facebook Live this week! It is re-designed inside and out and has plenty of new features, including: The GMC-exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate: It has six unique functions offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation, and easier access to items in the box. Standard on SLT and Denali, the MultiPro Tailgate also incorporates a step entry and egress mode that, when paired with the assist handle, can be used as both a step and a seat. Two buttons on the tailgate handle allow for convenient inner gate release. GMC-exclusive, industry-first Carbon Fiber Pickup Box, called the CarbonPro, increases durability, efficiency, and functionality while offering best-in-class dent, scratch, and corrosion resistance, making it the most durable pickup box in the segment.

The Ford Ranger is making a comeback in 2019. The mid-size pickup truck, which was discontinued in 2011, has been re-invented inside and out. “Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president of Product Development and Purchasing, in a press release. “The all-new Ranger is designed for today’s mid-size truck buyer, delivering even more utility, capability and technology for those who blend city living with more off-the-grid adventures on the weekend.” The Ranger will come in three trims, entry-level XL, mid-level XLT, and high-level Lariat, with available Chrome and Sport appearance and FX Off-Road packages, and in SuperCab or SuperCrew cab configurations. It has a high-strength steel frame, a 2.3-L Ecoboost engine and the only 10-speed auto [...]

The all-new 2019 Jeep Cherokee has rolled onto the lot at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester! The re-designed Cherokee has a whole new front fascia, hood, LED headlamps, daylight running lamps, and fog lamps. The vehicle has a new lightweight, hands-free power liftgate and five new wheel designs, including premium 19-inch wheel on Overland models. It also features a dual-pane sunroof. It boasts improved rear cargo volume and more convenient storage space, as well as small details like the new capless fuel fill that eliminates the need to touch and turn the vehicle’s gas cap when refilling. Under the hood, the vehicle has an all-new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque equipped with engine stop-start technology to optimize fuel economy. “A stunning, more premium design and the addition of our new fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbo engine make the new 2019 Jeep Cherokee even more desirable in [...]

We are excited to announce recent Kelley Blue Book awards.   KBB has named the 2018 Chevrolet Impala, the 2018 Ford F-150 and the 2018 Ford Expedition as Best Buys for 2018! The Kelley Blue Book awards choose the best value vehicles in 12 categories, as well as an overall winner. They compare features like pricing, cost to own, use-ability, consumer reviews, and more. This is the fourth year in a row that the Chevrolet Impala was named the best full-size sedan by Kelley Blue Book! You can get yours at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque, IL or Runde Chevrolet Buick GMC in Platteville, WI! “Whether it’s a matter of price, size, style or features, the 2018 Impala will give you something to appreciate every day you own it,” Kelley Blue Book noted in its announcement. “And speaking of owning it, in addition to [...]

Folks at Runde Chevrolet were glued to their smartphones recently as the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado was unveiled for a sneak peek at a Chevy Truck Centennial event over the weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The next-generation Silverado was created based on feedback from more than 7,000 customers on what they wanted in their next truck. “Many of our owners depend on their trucks for work and play, personalize their trucks in astonishing ways and pass their loyalty for Chevy Trucks down from generation to generation,” said Alan Batey, president of GM North America and global head of Chevrolet, in a press release. “For the Chevy Truck Centennial, we wanted to recognize the customers who have made Chevrolet part of their lives, and have them help kick off the next 100 years of Chevy Trucks.”

The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 made its global debut Sunday at the Dubai Motor Show! This supercar has the highest power, greatest track performance, and most advanced technology in the Corvette’s production history. “I’ve never driven a Corvette like this before, and nobody else has either, because there has never been one like this before,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain, in a press release. “Its unprecedented performance puts all other global supercars on notice that the ZR1 is back.” Under the hood, the ZR1 has an LT5 6.2L V8 engine. It delivers 755 horsepower and 715 lb.-ft. of torque, with over 600 lb.-ft. of torque available from 2200 rpm to redline. The top speed of the ZR1 is over 210 mph! [...]

Tax Time means big tax incentives for business owners! You probably didn’t read that as something to look forward to, but if you are a business owner, we have some news that might change your mind. If you own a business and purchase a new work vehicle from Runde Auto Group before Dec. 31, you could be eligible for up to a total of $510,000 in tax deductions. When you add tax incentives to other small business and national incentives on eligible vehicles, you can significantly impact your bottom line. Adding a new work vehicle to your fleet could be more beneficial than ever. Whether it is the capable, hardworking Silverado or flexible Express Cargo, our commercial vehicles are engineered to get the job done. You can read more [...]