If you’ve been under a rock (or mountain for that matter) the past day or so, the White House made an official announcement stating Mt. McKinley in Alaska will officially be renamed, or rather, reversed to its original title: Denali.
The word “Denali” stems from Alaskan natives’ traditional language meaning “the high one,” or “highest point.” The mountain’s name was changed to honor President McKinley in 1896, and has remained since.
According to USA Today, General Motors says the re-re-naming won’t be affecting GMC and its highly-successful, and profitable, Denali sub-brand.
“It had no impact or change on our strategy,” said spokeswoman Kelly Wysocki of GMC. “The name itself means ‘the high one.’ For us, it’s the ultimate expression of our professional grade. That’s our motto at GMC,” Wysocki said. “It reflects back to Denali. It did have to do with Mt. McKinley.”
GMC could easily take advantage of the buzz surrounding this decision and score some seemingly free buzz.
Update: It seems GMC has taken to the situation and put out a quick blip on their official Twitter page. The update shows the Denali badge accompanied by, “It’s always been a name we admire.”
Comments
This is GM’s healthiest division, in my opinion. There’s no brand image problem around the GMC name and it could be a powerhouse if GM wanted.
I think three vehicles (added by variants) would transform GMC into a trully moneymaker and something desirable.
1- GMC’s answer to the Jeep Wrangler;
2- GMC Granite (plus truck and performance model);
3- GMC Canyon Syclone (powered by GM’s twin turbo V6) and an off-road Canyon (not Colorado ZR2, it must be GMC).
I don’t see Chevy as an off-road car company which is different from GMC. This division has what it needs to go head to head with Jeep, Land Rover and a possible return of the Ford Bronco (if rumors are to be believed).
There’s also price… I think it fits well within the GMC lineup.
No doubt, GMC needs an answer to the Jeep Wrangler.
Indeed
I’d also like to see a GMC model go head 2 head withe the Jeep Grand Cherokee . Drop a V-8 into the Acadia Denali AWD with some serious Off Road capability . 😉
“the highest point”….customers taking out 84 month auto loans just to drive the legendary Denali!
A GMC Wrangler fighter and Raptor and Rebel fighter please.