​​What Does Professional Grade Mean?​

GMC has called itself Professional Grade for many reasons, starting with its own history. When the General Motors Truck Company was created in 1911, it focused its products on professional fleet and commercial customers who worked the farms and factories across this country and delivered goods to the market. 

The evolution of GMC was rooted in these principles. It was why the brand also offered trucks up to tractor-trailer size with lines of both cab-over and conventional rigs. GMC also offered buses and coaches to local and intercity operators, not to mention vans and passenger wagons. By delivering a wide variety of transportation solutions for commercial purposes, GMC earned a reputation for being the backbone of American business.

GMC had its own dedicated dealerships that mainly sold the heavier duty vehicles. In fact, you could see the entire GMC lineup – short of buses – at these dedicated retailers. They provided a level of service that was focused on ensuring the commercial customer that his or her GMC was in good care. 

Meanwhile, GMC pickup trucks were sold at other GM dealerships. Earlier pickup trucks, such as the C- and K-Series, offered a more commercial feel. These reliable and tough pickup trucks attracted hard-working professionals and added to the brand’s reputation.  

As pickup trucks became popular with consumers, GMC knew it had to differentiate itself from the rest of the market. Customers wanted more comfort in their pickup trucks. In the 1970s, it expanded to offer an SUV called the Jimmy. It was built off of the K-Series pickup truck and shortened to get through rougher terrain. GMC then created comfort-based trim levels for its vehicles, eventually resulting in the Denali trim. The Denali filled the need for people looking for luxury in their SUVs and pickup trucks.  

The tagline “We Are Professional Grade” came about in 2000. It reflected not only GMC’s history, but a commitment to continue providing hard-working vehicles for its customers. The scope has expanded to include many occupations and businesses that now make up GMC’s customer base.  

Even though the Denali and AT4 trim levels have defined what GMC is today, GMC still offers a variety of vehicles to its commercial customers. The Savana van is a workhorse for fleets looking for delivery and home service solutions. Realtors have no qualms driving up in Yukon Denalis to meet their clients. Ranchers and farmers still stay true to their Sierra 1500 and HD pickup trucks. Now, new customers are discovering GMC’s electric vehicle lineup, including the new Sierra EV.  

No matter what kind of customer you are, welcome to Ewing GMC in Plano! Contact us to start your journey in a Professional Grade GMC soon!