OnStar
OnStar is a subscription-based communications, monitoring, and tracking service provided by General Motors. With more than four million subscribers, OnStar is the leading provider of telematics services in the United States. The service is available for all vehicles that have the factory-installed OnStar hardware. It consists of both communication, through mobile phone networks, and tracking by GPS technology. OnStar safety and security services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency services, roadside assistance, remote door unlock, and GM Goodwrench remote vehicle diagnostics. OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated calls from their vehicle.
A significant accomplishment and important industry first for GM and OnStar was the introduction in 2004 of GM’s Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system debuting on the Chevy Malibu. The AACN system incorporates a series of strategically located sensors that automatically call OnStar if the vehicle is involved in a moderate to severe frontal, rear or side-impact collision, providing crash severity information to OnStar call center advisors. In 2004, OnStar established a Good Samaritan program to encourage subscribers to use the OnStar system to summon help in any emergency situation on behalf of others in need. If subscribers find themselves in a situation where there’s an immediate need for the police, fire or emergency service providers, they can simply push the “red” emergency button located on the OnStar console in their vehicle.
How it works
Telematics is the transmission of data communications between systems and devices. OnStar’s in-vehicle safety, security, and information services use Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite and cellular technology to link the vehicle and driver to the OnStar Center. At the OnStar Center, advisors offer real-time, personalized help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Drivers and passengers can use its audio interface to contact OnStar representatives for concierge-like and emergency services; representatives, based out of Troy, Mich. and Charlotte, N.C., can also initiate contact when vehicle telemetry indicates an emergency (for instance airbag deployment).
2007 Model Availability [2008 Coming Soon]
| Buick | LaCrosse, Lucerne, Rainier, Rendezvous, Terraza |
| Cadillac | CTS, CTS-V, SRX, DTS, STS, STS-V, XLR, XLR-V, Escalade, Escalade EXT, Escalade ESV |
| Chevrolet | Avalanche, Cobalt, Colorado, Corvette, Equinox, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Silverado, Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe, TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer SS, Uplander |
| GMC | Canyon, Envoy, Sierra, Yukon, Denali |
| Hummer | H2, H3 |
| Pontiac | G6, Grand Prix GXP, Montana, Solstice, Torrent, Vibe |
| Saab | 9-5, 9-7X |
| Saturn | Ion, Relay, Vue |