What Does Professional Grade Mean

There is no doubt that you have seen the GMC commercials that are voiced by the bombastic voice of Will Arnett, star of Arrested Development, The Lego Batman Movie, BoJack Horseman, and a co-host of the ultra-popular podcast Smartless, with Sean Hayes and Jason Bateman. Most current GMC commercials end with the slogan, “Professional grade.” It’s a slogan that dates back to the early 2000s, with the same voice from Will Arnett saying it (he has been the voice of GMC since 1998). But what exactly does “professional grade” mean? To answer that, we first have to do a little history lesson.  

A Quick History Lesson 

GMC has been around since 1900 and has been known as the General Motors Truck Company since 1911. In that period, the company was well known for building large, heavy, and medium-duty trucks for different types of working professionals. When the Great Kanto earthquake hit Japan in 1923, GMC trucks were sent to the country to help rebuild their infrastructure. Because the Japanese depended solely on the railroad system and old-style carts made from wood, the government had no real way of traveling to and from the areas. They also had no way of rebuilding the destroyed tracks without large vehicles to carry people and supplies. Enter GMC trucks for professional-grade work that saved lives and reshaped Japan. During World War I, the company provided more than 8,500 trucks for the war effort, and during WWII, that number jumped to some 600,000 vehicles that were used by the military in different ways.  

A Vehicle That Can Handle It All 

Since then, the company has been well known and respected for its trucks and SUVs, which handle any situation. The Sierra, Canyon, Acadia, Terrain, or Yukon are useful for families to take the kids to school, drive to work, run errands, or work on the farm, towing five or more tons worth of livestock, vehicles, equipment, and more.  

But Do You Really Need Professional Grade? 

Just because GMC trucks and SUVs are built to a professional grade standard doesn’t mean owners only need to use them for work-related tasks. However, the capability is there if ever you need it. As some would say, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.  

More Than You’re Used To 

While the current tagline goes back more than 20 years, the original line in GMC commercials in the early 2000s was “GMC professional-grade engineering. It’s not more than you need, just more than you’re used to.” And that’s it. Later, that was shortened to “Professional Grade” because it meant everything the company needed to say about its vehicles.  

A GMC Is Constantly Becoming More Capable 

This year, 2025 GMC trucks and SUVs will be on heavier duty than ever. Even the standard Sierra 1500 is heavier duty than Sierra 2500 models from not that long ago. When properly equipped, a brand-new Sierra 1500 can tow up to 13,200 lbs, which is more than what a Sierra 2500HD could tow just 10-15 years ago. The company known for its professional-grade trucks and SUVs is constantly moving the needle for itself, challenging what it once was and creating a new normal.  

In The End, What Does Professional Grade Mean? 

To be Professional Grade means that your GMC is capable of more than what most owners will ever put their vehicle through. It’s engineered to a higher standard for that reason, which is Professional Grade. It is constantly evolving for the betterment of customers.  

Professional Grade at Valley GMC 

If you want to test out a new professional-grade GMC vehicle, the expert salespeople at Valley GMC can help demonstrate the capabilities and usability of any of the latest GMC products, including the all-new Yukon, Acadia, and Terrain. 

Why Choose Valley GMC  

At Valley GMC, we pride ourselves on 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.