GMC Trucks History
Max Grabowsky formed the Rapid Motor Vehicle Co. in 1902 with the idea of making commercial hauling trucks. More than 100 years later, Grabowsky's company, which is now known to the entire world as GMC, is one of the largest global manufacturers of trucks in all shapes and sizes. It is considered the high-end and professional truck line for General Motors automotive world.
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The Formation of GMC Trucks
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General Motors bought out Grabowsky in 1909 with the idea of making its own trucks. In 1911, GM bought out Reliance motors and unveiled the GMC Trucks to the public the next year. The trucks were not an initial success but began to grow in stature through a series of publicity stunts including a 1916 cross-country trip. That same year GMC trucks were first used by the U.S. Army. During that time, the truck engineering slowly went from former Reliance employees to GM employees.
Early Styles and Growth
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The capacities of the early trucks exploded in the 1910s and '20s from less than a ton to 10 tons. The trucks were focused on endurance and not comfort. World War I was a major breakthrough for the company because 90 percent of its vehicles sold went to the U.S. government between 1917 and 1919. That would come in handy in the future.
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World War II
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GMC continued to evolve its models and the size of its trucks through the 1930s as well as continued work with the military. The onset of World War II spiked production, and by 1942 all GMC Trucks were going to the war effort. The company won the "E-Award" in 1944 for excellence in the war effort.
Post War
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Things got a little hectic following the war. No sooner had production started on civilian vehicles than did workers strike for six months in 1946. However, by the end of the decade the company had more than 75 models in production.
The Swell Years
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The 1950s and '60s brought continued growth from GMC Truck as its vehicles got bigger and more innovative. Vans, early SUVS and tractors became part of the GMC line during this era. By 1968, GMC was the third-largest truck seller on Earth.
The Changing Face of Trucks
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The 1980s and '90s brought a lot of changes for GMC as it battled rising production costs and foreign competition. The company entered the compact pickup market during this era and focused heavily on branding. For example, GMC Truck was the official truck of the 1984 Olympics. In 1988, it stopped production of its heavy duty trucks. In 1996, the word "Truck" was dropped as part of the GMC brand name in an effort to increase sales.
Models
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Some of the more well-known GMC Trucks models include The Jimmy, Suburban, Sierra, Tracker and Yukon.
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Resources
- Photo Credit GMC.com
