VISION: Every vehicle is equipped with integrated communications and data services and OnStar is the world's largest and most successful service provider.

MISSION: To drive growth of an industry-defining business based on vehicle communications services by:

FAST FACTS: With more than four million subscribers, OnStar is the leading provider of telematics services in the United States. OnStar's in-vehicle safety, security and information services use cellular technology and Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite 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.

President:

 Chet Huber

Parent Company:

 General Motors

Service Offerings:

 Subscribers have a choice of two plan options: Safe & Sound and Directions & Connections.

 

Safe & Sound

  • Accident Assist -- If a driver is in a minor traffic accident, they can contact an OnStar advisor via the OnStar button to receive step-by-step guidance after the incident. OnStar will notify an insurance company of an accident, as well as provide a checklist of what information is needed to file a police report, or to speed an insurance claim.

  • Air Bag Deployment Notification -- If a vehicle's air bag deploys, an emergency signal is sent automatically to the OnStar Center. An advisor will attempt to communicate with the vehicle's occupants. If there is no response, or if the car's occupants report an emergency, the advisor will contact the nearest appropriate emergency services provider.

  • Emergency Services -- In an emergency, the driver simply touches the red emergency services button. An OnStar advisor locates the vehicle's position on a digital map and alerts the nearest emergency services provider.

  • Roadside Assistance -- If a driver has mechanical trouble, a flat tire or runs out of gas, the OnStar advisor will dispatch the nearest GM service provider to the vehicle's location.
  • Remote Door Unlock -- If the driver locks his or her keys in the vehicle, a call to a toll-free number connects the driver to the OnStar Center. After obtaining accurate security information from the caller, an advisor will send a cellular data call to the vehicle that instructs it to unlock itself at a specified time.

  • GM Goodwrench Remote Diagnostic -- If a warning light flashes on the vehicle's instrument panel, the driver can contact the OnStar Center. An advisor will send a signal to the vehicle asking for the status of the engine computer. The vehicle transmits any problem codes and, based on this information, the advisor recommends the required action, which could include turning off the car and waiting for roadside assistance, scheduling a service appointment, or getting the problem checked during the next scheduled maintenance visit.

  • Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance-- If a subscriber calls the OnStar Center to report a vehicle stolen, the advisor can send a signal to the vehicle, get its location and begin locating the vehicle. The advisor will give the location information to the nearest police authority.

  • Remote Horn & Lights -- If a subscriber is having trouble locating his or her vehicle, OnStar can flash the exterior lights (headlamp and/or parking-lamp; flash varies by vehicle) and sound the horn.

 

Directions & Connections (includes all of the Safe & Sound services plus):

  • Information/Convenience -- An OnStar advisor can offer a wide range of information and convenience services, from suggesting a restaurant to making hotel reservations. The advisor, using a 7.2-million listing database, can help the driver locate nearby businesses and attractions, such as banks, movie theaters, shopping malls, museums, camp sites, etc.

  • RideAssist -- If a subscriber is incapable of driving or if the vehicle is undrivable, the driver can ask the OnStar advisor to call a taxicab. If no cab is available, the OnStar advisor will try to contact a relative or friend.
  • Driving Directions -- When the driver places a call to the OnStar Center to request assistance, the advisor pinpoints the vehicle's location and provides voice routing navigation assistance, including helping to find an alternate route if the driver is caught in traffic.

Pricing:

OnStar's factory-installed 3-button system plus one year of service is included in the price of the vehicle. After the first year of service ends, subscribers can renew for:

  • Safe & Sound, $16.95 per month
  • Directions & Connections, $34.95 per month

Additional Services:

The following services are available with any service package on 2001 or later OnStar-equipped vehicles.

  • OnStar Hands-Free Calling-- Subscribers use speech recognition technology to place hands-free, voice-activated calls on a nationwide wireless network. The system is embedded in the vehicle.  There is no handset or keypad buttons to push.  Subcribers purchase cellular time from OnStar through a selection of prepaid packages. There are no access fees, roaming or long distance charges. Conversation is heard through the vehicle's sound system speakers.

Pricing:

 There is no extra access fee for OnStar Hands-Free Calling and Virtual Advisor. OnStar subscribers can purchase prepaid minutes, as needed, ranging from 30 to 1,000 minutes and extended over a 12 month period.

Vehicle Availability:

 To learn more click here.

XM Satellite Radio:

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