There seems to be some confusion regarding whether GMC and Chevrolet are the same company. Some people think they are, while others seem convinced that they are not.
So, what’s the truth? Are GMC and Chevrolet the same company, or are they separate entities?
There is a reason for people to be confused about GMC and Chevrolet. The two companies have a shared history, which makes matters a mystery.
So let’s take a closer look behind the GMC and Chevrolet curtain and bring the truth into the light.
Who Owns Chevy?
General Motors (GM) owns Chevrolet and GMC. The history between the companies is a bit convoluted. General Motors dates to 1908. It started the General Motors Truck Company (or GMC Trucks) in 1911, the same year as the founding of Chevrolet.
Chevy eventually gained a controlling interest in GM in 1918. That didn’t last long, however. Along with a change in leadership, General Motors became the controlling interest with Chevrolet and GMC Trucks under its umbrella of brands.
Other brands they claimed were Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac.
What Is the Difference Between a GMC and a Chevy?
At one time, the difference between a GMC and a Chevy was not all that much, particularly regarding their trucks. For instance, in 1998, the GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado were almost the same truck. The only differences between them, according to MotorTrend, were their grilles, headlights, and badges.
In 2018, the two main trucks in the GMC and Chevy lines finally became significantly different.
They are still on the same GMT 1000 platform, which has the same chassis, drivetrain, and interior design, but their exteriors and feature sets separate the two brands.
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Are Chevy and GMC Made in the Same Factory?
Being brands under the same General Motors umbrella, most Chevy and GMC trucks and SUVs come from the same factory. Sharing the same chassis and drivetrain, it makes sense that most Chevy and GMC vehicles come off the same assembly line.
It is usually the outward appearance of the trim packages and accessories that sets the two brands apart.
Why Is GMC Separate From Chevy?
The primary reason that GMC is separate from Chevy is marketing. It’s a good business sense for GM to have two brands that appeal to different segments of the truck-buying market. Ads depict GMC trucks as the luxury counterpart to Chevy’s typical American truck-buyer audience.
Since they share the same basic build, it would seem that you’re getting the exact quality vehicle from either brand. However, that’s not the case. They are highly similar and well-built, but there are a few key ways they differ.
Stock GMC trucks, which the marketing department targets as a luxury brand, come standard with many features that are add-on options in their Chevy counterparts. Some materials for a GMC truck are of higher quality and include features like a quieter ride.
Overall, GMC typically offers a few more bells and whistles than Chevy.
A standard Chevy truck, by comparison, is frequently more of a work truck than its GMC counterpart. Though the premium trim features of a GMC Sierra can be appealing, a Chevy Silverado has advantages, such as greater maximum towing capacity.
What Types of Vehicles Does GMC Manufacture?
Though GMC’s roots are in truck manufacturing, General Motors has expanded the brand to include not only its full-size truck lines but also SUVs, crossovers, and commercial vans and trucks.
Some famous lines under the GMC brand include the Hummer, Yukon, Acadia, and Terrain, in addition to the ultra-popular Sierra and Denali full-size trucks. GMC has also begun expanding into electric vehicles.
What Types of Vehicles Does Chevrolet Manufacture?
Like GMC, Chevrolet manufactures full-size trucks, SUVs, crossovers, and commercial vans and trucks. Many models are similar to their GMC counterparts.
However, what separates the brand further is that Chevy also manufactures several cars.
Chevy’s cars range from the Spark hatchback, the electric hatchback Bolt, to the Malibu, a sedan. The iconic cars that make Chevy most recognizable, however, may be its performance sports cars, the Camaro and the Corvette. Both “muscle cars” have withstood the test of time, with more than a half-century legacy behind them.
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Would You Rather Have a GMC or a Chevrolet?
Whether you would rather have a GMC or a Chevrolet is a loaded question. Both brands are well-built with similar features. There is a price difference, but it’s not enormous. Which brand you’d rather own would likely come down to a few key elements.
First, there is brand loyalty. GMC and Chevrolet have been in existence for more than a century. That’s a long time for any company.
Many Americans are attached to their vehicles, and the respective brands built a following that often extends beyond comparing price and features. You may be a GMC owner or a Chevy owner, and that’s how it will be.
Another critical element in your decision might be what you plan to do with the truck. The Chevy Silverado, for instance, has a slightly higher maximum towing capacity than the GMC Sierra. That alone might be the difference.
If you care more about luxury features and impressive trim packages, you’d likely opt for GMC over Chevy. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either brand. It’s a matter of your personal preference.
Which truck brand do you prefer? Tell us in the comments!
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