What Does GMC Stand For?

It’s not difficult to find out that GMC was founded in 1911, and these days, we see GMC as one part of General Motors along with Chevrolet, Buick, etc. We sometimes don’t think about their very storied history. But do you know what GMC stands for? Well, General Motors Company, of course. Well, kind of. That is the name that they eventually became. 

What’s In A Name?

The original definition behind the letters GMC was the name Grabowsky Motor Company after Max and Morris Grabowsky, the original founders in 1900. Between 1900 and 1910, the name would change to Raid Motor Vehicle Company and later Reliance Motor Vehicle Company. However, in 1911, the truck company was made a subsidiary of General Motors Company, and GMC would become the General Motors Truck Company. Many years later, the “truck” part of the name was dropped to simply GMC. 

Heavy Duty Before It Was Cool

In those days, GMC was building medium and heavy-duty vehicles that could tackle any major project. GMC trucks were the main driving force behind the reconstruction of Kantō, Japan, after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake completely ruined the city in 1923. With the help of GMC medium and heavy-duty trucks sent to Japan by the company, the Japanese people were able to rebuild their destroyed infrastructure. 

Settin’ Records & Takin’ Names

Believe it or not, the extra large trucks from GMC set some monumental records back in the day, like in 1916 when a truck went from Seattle to New York City in 30 days, or in 1926 when a 2-ton truck drove from New York to San Francisco in just five days and 30 minutes. We take a lot of that for granted now, thanks to our reliance on air and train transportation, but keep in mind that it would still take nearly two days to drive from New York City to San Francisco in a modern car. 

Roads Of Yesteryear

1926 is a very different time than 2024. Imagine how much more difficult it would be back then when there weren’t as many paved roads as there are now. In 2024, there are 3.9 million miles of paved roads in America, with 3 million miles being rural roads. In 1926, the United States started adding highway numbers for the first time, and Route 66 first opened.  

Modern Times Call For Modern Trucks

These days, GMC makes trucks and SUVs of all sizes and shapes, along with some of the best-selling and safest trucks and SUVs money can buy. Whether you need a 7-passenger SUV like the Acadia or Yukon or a heavy-duty truck like the Sierra 2500 AT4X that can do it all, there is no brand with heritage quite like the General Motors Company. 

At Valley Buick GMC & RV, we pride ourselves in offering the best sales and service possible. With dozens of new and used vehicles available, our incredible sales team and finance department can help you find the best car for you and your family. And our fantastic service department will work hard to maintain your vehicle to the highest standards.

We look forward to serving you.