How Did GMC Get its Start?

GMC (GMC Truck) was formed from the merger of Rapid and Reliance truck companies which was under the GM corporate umbrella. The first time the world saw the GMC Truck name was at the New York International Auto Show in 1912. One way GMC differs from other GM vehicles is in the medium- and heavy-duty commercial production including ambulances and fire trucks. During World War II, GMC produced 6,000 trucks for use by the US military including CCKWs, better known as the "Deuce and a Half" and DUKWs. In 1998, the name was shortened from GMC Truck to GMC.

What was the restyling of 1955?

  • Battery Placement: Starting in 1955, GMC relocated the battery from under the passenger floorboard on the truck line to under the hood making it more convenient to get to if repairs or replacement needed to be done.
  • Engine Design: Giving its line of trucks more power happened in 1955 also. A new V8 engine was introduced to keep up with the changes happening in the Chevrolet pickups. A V8 under the hood means more power behind the wheel.

Is GMC and Chevrolet the same company?

GMC and Chevy are not the same company, but the trucks are virtually identical except for two elements—the grilles and nameplates. For example, when you look at the GMC Terrain you might mistake it for the Chevrolet Equinox. It has been said that the Chevy pickup is the sibling to the GMC pickup.

What does GMC bring to the market?

  • Trucks: Truck models are divided into three characteristics—light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks. The beginning models were medium-duty trucks. The first "compact" truck was the S-15 and it was introduced to the world in 1982. In 1991 it was replaced by the the Sonoma.
  • Buses and Coaches: Between 1943 and 1987, GMC produced buses at the Canadian plant in London, Ontario. Motorhomes were introduced in 1973 but were discontinued in 1978.
  • Vans: The first GMC van, the Handi-Van was introduced in 1964 and remained in production until 1970. Since 1970, the company has featured the Rally, Vandura, Safari, and Savana line of vans.
  • SUVs: The Suburban was released in 1937 and continued until 2000 when it was simply rebranded as the Yukon XL in 2001. Additional well-loved SUVs include the Jimmy, Yukon, and Envoy.