A General Motors fan recently uploaded a vintage 1975 Chevy van dealer training video to YouTube, giving us a fascinating look at what Chevy’s internal marketing and communications strategies were like in the mid-1970s.
The dealer training video seems to have been sent out at the beginning of the 1975 model year – just as GM’s crosstown rivals at Ford were rolling out the redesigned 1975 Econoline. Chevy likely put together this dealer training video to ensure salesmen knew how to properly market and sell the tried and true Chevy van, which was set to face increased competition that year from the completely redesigned, body-on-frame Ford Econoline.
The training video claims the redesigned Ford Econoline’s longer wheelbase and body length resulted in larger exterior dimensions, making it harder to maneuver and park. Despite this, the training video says, the Econoline offered less usable interior space. Additionally, the video points out the Chevy van has a 6,400-pound gross vehicle weight rating, while the Econoline’s is slightly less at 6,300 pounds. The video then goes on to compare the two van’s cargo capacities and dimensions, powertrain options, side and rear door openings and interior comfort/ergonomics, among other aspects.
“Drive Chevy Van, and compare the benefits of its more compact design, shorter overall length and its impressive maneuverability and ease of handling,” the voiceover actor proclaims toward the end of the eight-minute training film.
While this video attempts to pit these two utility vehicles against each other, there’s no denying that both the third-generation Chevy van and Ford Econoline served the American public very well for many, many years. These vans remained in production until the 1990s, acting as an affordable, reliable and sturdy method of transportation for fleet operators and consumers alike.
Check out the dealer training video embedded below to learn a bit more about the 1975 Chevy van and 1975 Ford Econoline.
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Comments
Had a Chevy van 10 it lasted a very long time!
I still own a 1978 ford Econoline van starts up every day but will sell for the right offer. Strait 6 indestructible moter
GMC vans were frighteningly reliable. I hope they just make a few changes for another 10 year run. Say a 6 in-line diesel? 😉
That video was kind of fun to watch. If I find myself in the 70s, I’ll get the Chevy van.
But since this is now, I’d get the Ford.