Helping auto dealers be successful

The invention of the assembly line changed the way the auto industry did business. To keep factories running smoothly, manufacturers needed auto dealers to buy vehicles in large quantities. In 1919, we opened our doors as GMAC, a division of GM, to help dealers finance and maintain their inventory and keep up with consumer demand.

Making auto financing more accessible

In the early 1920s, people looking to buy a car or truck had to pay cash or secure their own financing from banks that didn’t typically issue loans for automobiles. We made it convenient for customers to get financing right at the dealership. During the Great Depression, car manufactures began segmenting vehicles by cost, from low-price to luxury models. We introduced this pricing concept to the public with our slogan "A car for every purse and purpose."

Meeting the needs of the time

During World War II, we helped support the war effort as the financing arm of GM, which supplied the Allies with submarine engines, airplanes, trucks and tanks. Back home, we helped financially troubled railroads stay in business by renting and financing locomotives. In the 1950s, we diversified and worked with participating household appliance retailers and extended financing to customers who couldn't afford to buy a refrigerator, washer or stove outright.

Providing convenience and more options

Americans' love for cars was on the rise during the golden years of automobile design. With our slogan, ''Enjoy financing where you buy,'' more people took advantage of getting the car they wanted and the financing they needed at the same place. In 1956 we introduced "Buying cars on time" with our Time Payment Plan and gave over 2 million customers more options to finance a vehicle with a payment plan that fit their budget.

Protecting vehicles inside and out

As car manufacturers pushed innovation and style, auto prices rose and insurance became an increasingly important part of our products and services offering. Our Motors Insurance Corporation provided dealers with physical damage coverage to protect the vehicles they sold, and in the mid 1960s we became the first insurance company to offer comprehensive coverage to dealers' customers. In 1973, we introduced mechanical coverage for new vehicles and for certain used vehicles.

Expanding our financing capabilities

In the 1980s we leased the auto industry’s first electric-powered cars. We also made our initial offering of mortgage products, helping thousands of Americans become homeowners. In the late 1990s, we purchased The Bank of New York's lending unit. This led to the creation of our Corporate Finance division that soon became one of the most trusted sources of capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies.

Examining our strengths

During one of the most significant economic downturns our country experienced, we were tested like many other financial services companies. For us, it was an opportunity to review our business model, define our competitive advantages and build on our strengths.

Building a better bank

The world didn't need another bank — it needed a better one. We decided to make a stand on our commitment to customers and put our promise in our name. So we transformed our banking subsidiary into Credence Global Bank Unionon 3 simple principles: do right, talk straight and be obviously better. As an online bank without physical branch locations, we were able to offer greater value with consistently competitive rates and convenient around-the-clock support when our customers needed it.