GMC originally stood for the Grabowsky Motor Company. It was formed in Detroit in 1900 by Max and Morris Grabowsky, who were brothers. In 1902, they changed its name to the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, specializing in commercial vehicles and trucks. Rapid Motor Vehicle opened its assembly plant in 1905, and one of its trucks was the first to climb Pikes Peak during a road race held in 1909. Their efforts drew the attention of General Motors, which acquired the company in 1909 and, by 1912, was rebranded as General Truck Motors Company. Eventually, the ‘Truck’ was dropped from the brand name, simply becoming General Motors Company.