General Motor enthusiasts are pretty well-aware that GMC came into existence with a merger of two auto manufacturing companies: Rapid Motor Vehicle and Reliance Motor Company. In 1909, General Motors merged the two companies and formed the General Motor Truck Company. Let us go through some interesting facts about GMC Trucks.
Fun Facts about GMC Trucks
If you are a pickup truck enthusiast or just generally inquisitive, here are a few interesting facts about GMC Trucks.
1. GMC Is Over a 100 Years Old
The GMC truck history started in 1912. This is the year when Rapid Motor Vehicles and Reliance Motor Company were merged together to form GMC. The companies built trucks and cars. But GMC merged the two as one truck-making division.
In 2012, GMC trucks turned 100 years old. GMC is the second-largest brand of pickup trucks in the USA after Chevrolet by sales value and third-largest globally. GMC also enjoys a spot under the most famous American auto brands.
2. GMC Manufactured Electric Vehicles
GMC was among the world’s earliest manufacturers of electric trucks powered by batteries from 1912-1917. These electric trucks had single-digit model names, they had a load capacity ranging from one-half-ton to 12 tons. Then in 1931, GMC started using Detroit Diesel engines.
3. GMC Trucks Logo Was Used in 1911
Among other lesser-known facts about GMC, the one about its logo is very interesting. The “GMC Trucks” Logo was used in 1911. In 1912, GMC manufactured over 20,000 trucks and all of them bore the GMC truck logo. Later in 1913, the company changed the logo from GMC Trucks to GMC.
4. GMC Trucks Took Part in a Cross-Country Race in 1916
Did you know that GMC Trucks participated in a cross-country race in 1916? This is just one of those interesting facts about GMC trucks that often get overlooked. GMC trucks took part in the race and traveled from Seattle to New York in 30 days.
Exactly a decade later, thanks to innovation and technology, the GMC trucks were able to successfully commute through the U.S. from New York to San Francisco in just 5 days and 30 minutes.
5. GMC Trucks Got in a Merger With Yellow Coach in 1925
In 1925, GMC Trucks got in a merger with the yellow coach division and renamed itself to GMC Truck and Coach Division. This division was responsible to manufacture medium-duty and light-duty trucks, alike. After a span of two years, the T-series production line was introduced. Then, in 1931, the first heavy-duty truck, T-95 was produced. This was a 15-tonne cargo truck.
6. GMC Manufactured Military Vehicles during World War I and II
GMC was given the task of manufacturing military vehicles during World War I. GMC produced more than 10,000 military vehicles between 1917 and 1919. Later on during WWII, GMC was given the task of producing military equipment including the first mass-produced amphibian trucks. These powerful trucks helped transport troops and supplies over water and land.
7. GMC Transported Circus Animals
In 1929, GMC took up an exciting order and produced special vehicles to be used for transporting circus animals including giraffes, monkeys, lions, and elephants. The company met new challenges and redesigned its trucks according to the client’s needs.
8. Manufactured Advanced Diesel Engines
In the 1930s, GMC redesigned its truck by modifying the engine location. Thanks to this push, GMC was able to develop its own production line of advanced diesel engines. These advanced engines not only offer road prowess they also offer ultimate pulling and cargo capabilities.
9. GMC Sierra is a Top Selling Model
The GMC Sierra remains a top-selling model of the General Motor Truck Company. It is a full-size-pick-up truck that happens to be a top-seller in the USA. It is also among the world’s best-selling trucks after Ford-F Series. If you are looking for GMC’s best-seller, you can explore these used GMC Sierra trucks for sale in the UAE.
10. Abu Dhabi Police Held The Largest Parade of GMC Cars
GMC participated in one of the transportation-related world records by the United Arab Emirates. The ‘Largest Parade of GMC Cars’ title was achieved by GMC and Abu Dhabi Police. 191 GMC vehicles took part in the event that took place in Yas Marina Circuit in 2018. The vehicles covered a 4km route on the Formula One Race Track.
Those were some interesting facts about GMC trucks. If you are a truck enthusiast, take a look at these used GMC trucks for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more on interesting facts of various auto manufacturers.
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