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Did Chevrolet or GMC come first?

Chevrolet was founded before GMC. Chevrolet was established in 1911, while GMC was founded in 1912 as the successor to the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company. Chevrolet was the first brand created by the General Motors (GM) corporation, while GMC was later acquired by GM and became its truck and utility vehicle division.


The Origins of Chevrolet and GMC


Chevrolet was founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss-born race car driver, and William C. Durant, the co-founder of General Motors. Chevrolet was established as a competitor to Ford's Model T, offering more powerful and stylish vehicles.


GMC, on the other hand, was founded a year later in 1912 as the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company. This company was later acquired by General Motors in 1909 and renamed the GMC Truck division. GMC initially focused on producing commercial trucks and utility vehicles, while Chevrolet was more oriented towards passenger cars.


The Relationship Between Chevrolet and GMC


Over time, Chevrolet and GMC have become closely associated with each other as part of the General Motors family of brands. While Chevrolet is known for its passenger cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks, GMC has specialized in producing heavier-duty trucks, commercial vehicles, and premium SUVs.p>

Despite their distinct histories and product focuses, Chevrolet and GMC often share common platforms and technologies, allowing GM to leverage economies of scale and offer a wider range of vehicles to consumers. This close relationship between the two brands has continued to this day, with Chevrolet and GMC working together to develop and market a diverse lineup of vehicles.

Did Chevy or GMC come first?


GMC has earlier roots, as the company that would become GMC was founded in 1902, but Chevrolet was founded in 1911. The General Motors Truck Company (GMC) was formed by General Motors in 1911 using the assets from the acquisition of the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, which had been founded in 1902. Meanwhile, William C. Durant co-founded the Chevrolet Motor Company in 1911 after being forced out of GM. 

  • GMC: The roots of GMC go back to the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, founded in 1902. General Motors acquired this company in 1909, and it became the foundation for the General Motors Truck Company (GMC) in 1911. GMC released its first mass-produced truck in 1912. 
  • Chevrolet: Chevrolet was founded in 1911 by William C. Durant and Louis Chevrolet. Durant was the founder of General Motors, but was forced out of the company in 1910 and then founded Chevrolet. 
  • Connection to GM: In 1918, Chevrolet became a part of General Motors. GMC became a fully owned subsidiary of General Motors later, completing its purchase in 1943. 



What's higher end, GMC or Chevy?


Yes, GMC is positioned as a higher-end, more premium brand than Chevrolet. While both brands are owned by General Motors and share many parts, GMC vehicles often feature more luxury amenities, upscale design, and higher-end trim levels like Denali, which results in a higher price point. Chevrolet is positioned as a more mass-market brand with a lower cost of entry, focusing on accessible and durable vehicles. 

  • GMC: Focuses on a premium experience with upscale interiors, more noise insulation, and features like advanced suspension systems in models like the Sierra and Yukon. The higher price point comes from the added luxury and technology. 
  • Chevrolet: Caters to a broader audience with a lower cost of entry and more budget-friendly options. It offers a wide range of work-ready vehicles for a wider market, without the premium branding. 
  • Shared platform: Mechanically, GMC and Chevrolet models are very similar, often sharing the same engines and chassis, but the differences are in the trim levels, features, and styling. 



Was GM before Chevy?


Durant's success with Buick led to the creation General Motors on September 16, 1908. Three years later, he founded Chevrolet, and grew it to a position of market leadership in just three short years.



What was the very first car brand?


The first car brand is Benz, founded by Karl Benz in 1886 to manufacture and sell the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the world's first practical automobile. The company later merged with Daimler's company to become the brand that is now known as Mercedes-Benz.
 

  • Founder: Karl Benz 
  • First car: The Benz Patent-Motorwagen, patented in 1886. 
  • Legacy: Benz's company, Rheinische Gasmotorenfabrik Benz & Cie., was the first automobile manufacturer. 
  • Modern descendant: Today, the brand is a part of Mercedes-Benz, which is considered the oldest car manufacturer in the world. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.