The GMC division of General Motors Company makes and sells trucks, vans, and SUVs in North America. Founded in 1901 as the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, it was bought by GM in 1909 and re-branded as the General Motors Truck Company — GMC Truck for short. The U.S. military relied heavily on GMC during World War II, purchasing 600,000 trucks.

Over the years, GMC has manufactured military vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, motorhomes, and transit buses. These days, GMC is known as GM’s high-end truck manufacturer focusing on SUVs, pickup trucks, light- and medium-duty trucks, and vans.

GMC’s worthy reputation and money-making ability have saved it twice in recent years: during GM’s 2009 bankruptcy reorganization and with President Obama’s Automotive Task Force. Such survivability can only bode well for the automaker in coming years.

GMC trucks are very similar to their cousins, Chevrolet trucks; both offer virtually the same trucks but with different grilles, nameplates, and styling cues. While Chevrolet trucks are only sold at Chevrolet dealerships, GMC trucks are available at Buick and Cadillac dealerships. Many consider Chevrolet’s offerings as entry-level vehicles and look to GMC for more power, luxury, options, and standard features. Interestingly, in the U.S. Chevrolet trucks outsell GMC trucks, while the reverse occurs in Canada.

GMC’s Current Models

2012 GMC Acadia

2012 GMC Terrain

2012 GMC Yukon

2012 GMC Canyon

2012 GMC Sierra

2012 GMC Savana

Check out GMC.com for more info