When it comes to iconic car brands, Chevrolet stands tall. Yet, in casual conversation and popular culture, we often hear it referred to by a different name – Chevy. Ever wondered why Chevrolet is commonly called Chevy? This blog will take you on a fascinating ride through the annals of automotive history to explore this endearing nickname.

Chevrolet, a prestigious member of the General Motors family, was established in 1911. Co-founder Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss race car driver, lent his surname to the budding automobile company. While 'Chevrolet' reflected the brand's commitment to quality, luxury, and performance, it was a bit of a mouthful for everyday conversation. Thus, the nickname 'Chevy' naturally evolved and was quickly embraced.

Why did 'Chevy' stick while other possible nicknames fell by the wayside? The answer lies in its simplicity and relatability. 'Chevy' exudes an approachable, friendly, and casual vibe, reflecting the brand's wide appeal. From the Corvette to the Silverado, Chevy vehicles cater to an extensive range of drivers, mirroring the versatility of the nickname itself.

The adoption of 'Chevy' wasn't just organic; it was also fueled by marketing. In the 1950s and 60s, Chevrolet embraced the nickname in their advertisements, solidifying its place in the public vernacular. Iconic jingles like "See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet" and slogans such as "Chevy Runs Deep" further imprinted 'Chevy' on the hearts and minds of consumers.

In 2010, an interesting event brought the Chevy nickname into the limelight. GM issued an internal memo discouraging the use of 'Chevy' in favor of the official brand name, 'Chevrolet.' The memo sparked a public outcry from Chevy lovers who felt a deep emotional connection to the nickname. Recognizing the sentimental value and powerful brand equity, GM quickly retracted the directive.

Today, 'Chevy' is more than just a nickname for Chevrolet—it's an integral part of American automotive culture. It embodies a sense of nostalgia, familiarity, and affection that's transcended generations. Whether you're a classic car enthusiast fondly recalling the '57 Chevy Bel Air or a modern speed lover praising the latest Chevy Camaro, the nickname 'Chevy' is as ingrained as the vehicles it represents.

In conclusion, the term 'Chevy' originated as a friendly, approachable nickname for Chevrolet and has since grown to become an inseparable part of the brand's identity. It's a testament to Chevrolet's enduring legacy and close relationship with its customers.

At Mountain View Chevrolet, we're proud to be part of the Chevy tradition. Whether you're looking for a new Chevy to join your family or need expert care for your existing Chevy, we're here to help. After all, we 'move mountains' to ensure our customers are happy and satisfied with their Chevy experience. Visit us today, and let's celebrate the Chevy spirit together!

When stepping into the world of automobiles, a common question that emerges is whether GMC and Chevrolet are the same company. While they share a familial bond under the umbrella of General Motors (GM), these two brands have their unique identities and market appeals. Let's journey into their shared history and distinct traits to unravel this intriguing question.

The roots of both GMC and Chevrolet trace back to the early 20th century, with the formation of General Motors. William C. Durant, the founder of GM, also established Chevrolet in 1911. Meanwhile, GMC, originally known as the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, joined the GM family in 1909. 

Though united under GM, GMC and Chevrolet cater to different segments of the automotive market. Traditionally, GMC has positioned itself as a premium brand, offering a lineup of SUVs, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Its vehicles often come with high-end features, refined interiors, and a heftier price tag, appealing to customers seeking more luxury and exclusivity.

On the flip side, Chevrolet, fondly known as Chevy, offers a broader spectrum of vehicles – from economy cars to commercial trucks. Chevrolet vehicles are praised for their value, reliability, and wide-reaching appeal. The brand's versatility allows it to cater to a diverse range of customers, from budget-conscious buyers to performance enthusiasts.

The Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra serve as a great example of their distinct identities. These sibling trucks share similar platforms and powertrains, but differences emerge in their design and pricing. The Silverado is often seen as more utilitarian, whereas the Sierra leans towards luxury.

While their vehicles may roll off the same assembly lines and share many parts, it's their unique brand positioning and design choices that set GMC and Chevrolet apart. Each brand has curated a distinct image and customer base over the years.

In conclusion, while GMC and Chevrolet are siblings in the General Motors family, they are not the same. They offer different product lineups and target different customer bases, ensuring that GM's portfolio appeals to a broad range of consumers. Whether you're leaning towards the luxury of a GMC or the versatility of a Chevy, the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preference and needs.

At Mountain View Chevrolet, we're proud to be part of the diverse GM family, serving our customers with dedication and expertise. Whether you're considering a Chevrolet or interested in exploring the wider GM range, our team is here to guide you through every step of your automotive journey. Drop by to see how we can "move mountains" to find your perfect ride!

Mountain View Chevrolet has been a community-oriented dealership for 13 years, but this is a first for this Southern California car dealership and definitely uncommon for any car dealer. To award students who have achieved perfect attendance, Mountain View Chevrolet has created the “Cool to Stay in School” campaign to give away a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze!

On June 12, 2013, every student from Upland High School who has achieved perfect attendance will be invited to the dealership, in Upland, California. First, several other prizes, including iPad gift cards, will be raffled off by calling the students’ names. For the grand prize of the Chevy Cruze, five names of students with perfect attendance will be drawn at random, and those students will all be given a key. One by one, they will have a chance to sit in the Cruze and turn the key. One lucky student’s key will be the one that starts the engine!

Students from Upland High School have a chance to win a Chevrolet Cruze from Mountain View Chevrolet.

What makes that student even luckier is that Mountain View made sure that the prize model is the perfect choice for a young driver; in addition to being awarded US Ranking and Reviews’ 2012 Best Compact Car for the Money, the Chevy Cruze has achieved these accolades:

• An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2012 Top Safety Pick
• Motor Trend Ultimate Guide calls Cruze the best GM compact in years
• Consumer Guide reports Chevrolet’s compact sedan represents itself very well in a crowded and very competitive market segment
• Consumer Guide reports Cruze feels substantial and refined
• A finalist for Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year
• Motor Trend calls Cruze thoughtfully designed, with European styling and driving dynamics
• Motor Trend calls Cruze the most significant global offering from GM to date
• Named a 2011 Consumer Guide Recommended Buy

In fact, the 2013 Cruze won US News and Rankings’ 2013 Best Compact Car for Families, so parents of the winner can feel at ease knowing that their student earned not just a car, but a car with peace of mind. Mountain View Chevy knows that it’s at a high school age that driver safety and responsibility begin. By interacting with the students in an academically rewarding way, new drivers soon to graduate from Upland High School will be more “tuned up” to take the wheel seriously.

Just this past December, Mountain View Chevrolet rallied to help a local boy with his battle against Common Variable Immune Deficiency, and hosted the Red Cross on-site to collect both blood and toys for those in need. This may be the first giveaway of its type at Mountain View Chevy, but it’s just one of many future opportunities the dealership will take to give back and help out!

For years, millions have come to associate Chevy with the slogan “More than Meets the Eye,” as Chevrolet models have always received top-billing when casting the Transformers movie series.  While that speaks volumes in and of itself for Chevy as a brand of cars and trucks, muscle and sophistication alike, there’s even more to Chevy than meets the silver screen.  Chevrolet has been very busy helping to advance eco-friendly energy technology behind the scenes for years, and it shows not only in their Chevy car and truck lineup and record-setting fuel economy as a manufacturer, but in small towns all over the U.S. that are now home to renewable energy projects.

2012 Chevy Equinox

2012 Chevy Volt

Outside the showroom, Chevy’s funding projects from South Dakota to North Carolina, from renewable biomass to wind turbines – and even waste heat recovery.  The goal, for Chevrolet, is to prevent 8 million metric tons of CO2 from entering the earth’s atmosphere over the next 5 years.  16 various eco-friendly projects like these are receiving 40 million dollars in funding from Chevy; that’s not just an investment in sales, it’s an investment in the future sustainability of the entire world – which, as altruistic as it may be, is one of the most sound business investments any corporation can make in a win-win (or wind-wind) situation!

2012 Chevy Camaro

Convinced a Chevy is the right investment for you?  Come to a dealership that invests in you back…with our goal to maintain long-term relationships no matter why customers are in our dealership, they can rest assured that while they’re browsing, waiting for a new car purchase or even getting an oil change…

We also have free shuttle service, not to mention the best Certified Service Center with the best specials on oil change coupons, discount tires and more!