General Motors Corporation (GMC) is one of the most popular American automobile manufacturers. Since its initiation in the 19th century till mid 20th century, the company has been counted among one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. During this time, GMC also acquired other automobile brands including Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac. The brand secures a significant position in the market by rolling off reliable and performance-oriented vehicles. To date, GMC vehicles are known for their durability, driveability and quality.
This century-old brand encloses many interesting events. Let’s unfold the GMC brand history in more detail.
GMC History Timeline
The GMC is reputed for unveiling heavy-duty vehicles that are reliable and long-lasting. Therefore, GMC is ranked among the top used American makes and models in the UAE.
Here is the company history elaborated in detail and how auto brands were acquired by GM.
The Journey Started as Rapid Motor Vehicle – 1900s
The Rapid Motor Vehicle Company was started in 1901 by two brothers namely Morris and Max Grabowski. The first prototype built by the company was a single-cylinder engine truck that failed to impress the audience. However, in 1902 another pick-up truck was launched by the company. This truck was purely built for commercial purposes and has a two-cylinder engine. The journey of GMC started from this brand.
Rapid Motors was Acquired by GMC -1910s
In 1908, General Motors (GM) was founded by William C Durant by acquiring Rapid Motors. This merger was used for manufacturing trucks and pick-ups under the GMC Truck banner. Later in 1909, GMC acquired another automobile brand Cadillac, which became the luxury vehicle manufacturer for GMC. In the same year, the merger of GM and Rapid Motor launched a Rapid truck in 1909 which made headlines by climbing Pike’s Peak – one of the highest peak of 54 Colorado peaks.
At the 1912 New York Motor Show, the brand displayed its model series under the banner of GMC Trucks, this name was later patented and used by the brand. The 2-Ton and 3-Ton model series of the GMC was considered the most heavy-duty pick-up truck at that time.
GMC becomes Synonymous with Reliability-1920s
By this time, GMC has already been popular among its customers. However, the brand was reputed as a commercial vehicle manufacturer. The brand altered its image by unveiling more sophisticated and refined vehicles.
Now, radiator-mounted electric headlights, streamlined shape and chrome-plated rims have become standard in all GMC vehicles. The ‘S’ and ‘T’ model series featured a L-Head engine that was capable of generating 33 horsepower.
The reliability and dependability of GMC trucks can be gauged from the fact that both British and American armies used GMC trucks in WWI. In fact, these trucks were part of some of the most important missions. During this era, GMC also took over the automobile brand Chevrolet.
Half Ton Pickup Trucks- 1930s
During the 1930s, GMC drastically increased its model range by manufacturing ½-ton pick-ups to 10-ton trailers. It was the first time when the company rolled off its Suburban Carryall which was a pick-up truck with the comfort and features of a conventional car. The two-toned colored trucks also became popular during this era.
GMC Participated in WWII- 1940s
GMC actively participated in WWII by manufacturing a wide range of trucks. Among them, the 2-1/1 ton truck series named ‘Jimmys’ was the most popular one. These trucks were manufactured in different sizes and body type including dump trucks, cargo trucks, tankers, fire engines and even bomb transporters.
During this era, GMC was at the height of its production and advanced engineering. The brand manufactured an amphibious truck ‘Duck’ in 43 days only. This was the biggest achievement of GMC and the truck was well received by the customers.
GMC Start Manufacturing Dream Trucks-1950s and 1960s
After the war, GMC focused on manufacturing vehicles that were suitable for daily use. These trucks were comfortable and equipped with more technologically advanced car safety features.
The Suburban Pickup, Handi Van and Wideside Pickup were the most popular vehicles of GMC at that time.
GMC also experimented with the Sprint, which was a pickup truck with features of a sedan.
GMC Celebrated its 75 Year of Success- 1970s
GMC heavily advertised its diamond jubilee to highlight its successful 75 years in the automotive industry. The most popular models of this era were the ½-ton and 3-½-ton trucks.
Improvements were also made in the basic design of the trucks. The lightweight trucks received more efficient disc brakes, turbocharged diesel engines, higher bumpers and noise insulation systems.
Compact Model Series was Launched by GMC- 1980s
In the 1980s, a number of other truck manufacturers entered the market, thus increasing the competition for GMC. To respond to this competition GMC launched its compact truck series and also made cosmetic changes to other heavy-duty trucks.
The compact S-15 Jimmy and Safari Van were the compact truck series that competed with the other mini-size trucks in the market. Aerodynamic shape, V6 and V8 engines, 4WD drivetrain system and advanced transmission system were the core features of the GMC model series launched during this time.
Refined Model Lineup- 1990s
To cater to the shifting demands of the automotive industry, GMC continues to refine their vehicles. The Hummer was also acquired by GMC during this era. The new lineup had an aerodynamic exterior, efficient engine and comfortable features. A number of model series were also renamed to cope with the advanced automobile industry. For instance: C/K pick-up was named Sierra, S-15 became Sonoma and Jimmy was renamed Yukon.
ABS, airbags and fuel injection systems were common among the models released during this era.
GMC and SUVs of Future- 2000s
GMC entered the Millennium with its advanced and efficient model series. These vehicles featured an infotainment system, radio control, rear passenger seats, AWD drivetrain system and an optional automatic transmission system. Along with this, old GMC SUVs and trucks like Suburban and Yukon received a major facelift. Whereas, professionally graded trucks and regular use SUVs were also unveiled by GMC.
GMC Continues its Journey – 2010s to Present
Currently, GMC is focused on rolling off electric cars in the market. The brand envisioned manufacturing all-electric vehicles with zero-carbon emissions. For this, GMC is working on improving its charging infrastructure, software system, drive unit and electric batteries.
This was the complete GMC history. The brand has established its reputation in the market as a tuck manufacturer by providing its customers with the finest quality pick-up trucks. If you are also fascinated by these vehicles, browse through these used GMC cars for sale in the UAE and purchase your own mini-truck.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top autoblog for more information on GMC brands and models.
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