What Does GMC Stand For?

GMC was founded in 1911, and while today we think of the brand as one part of General Motors along with Chevrolet, Buick, etc., we sometimes don’t think about their 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 name was actually Grabowsky Motor Company, after Max and Morris Grabowsky, the original founders in 1900. The name would soon 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 would be dropped to simply GMC. 

International Truck Aid

Before people had any idea what a medium and heavy-duty truck was for, GMC was building them. In fact, 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. 

Setting Records

Amazingly, GMC trucks were known to set records, 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. 

1926 Vs. 2024

Imagine how much more difficult it would be in 1926 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 of those miles being rural roads. In 1926, the United States started adding highway numbers for the first time, and Route 66 first opened.  

A Truck Or SUV For Everyone

For 2024, GMC makes 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 a heritage quite like the General Motors Company. 

At Penz GMC of Rochester, we value our customers. You can find new GMC inventory, including the GMC Sierra 1500 and the all-new Canyon, plus an unmatched collection of used car, truck, van, SUV and crossover inventory at our dealership near you. Are you interested in leasing or financing your next vehicle? The Finance Department at Penz GMC of Rochester can help you find the right lease offer or finance solution that fits your budget. We cultivate relationships with many banks, lenders, and other financial organizations to provide great options for purchasing your new vehicle. In addition to the comprehensive factory warranty that comes with your new vehicle, we offer extended warranty and protection programs to safeguard your investment. Get the best deals and specials available to you on a GMC. Our knowledgeable sales staff wants to help you find the perfect fit in a new GMC or used car. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Penz family and help you find your new car or used vehicle. Your support and customer service doesn’t stop after you sign your deal. The expert Service Department at Penz GMC of Rochester is always ready to help with any repairs or maintenance you might need to keep your vehicle running perfectly. Our Express Service Lane will quickly get you back on the road when you need basic maintenance, like an oil change or tire rotation. Would you like to make your new car all your own with personalized upgrades? Our well-stocked Parts Department has all of the GMC authentic accessories you need for the best customization of your vehicle. Make your car, truck, or SUV uniquely yours to fit perfectly in your lifestyle. We are eager to help you on your car buying and vehicle ownership journey. Visit us today at Penz GMC of Rochester!