OnStar is the leading provider of telematics services in the United States. 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.
OnStar was founded in 1995 as collaboration between General Motors, EDS and Hughes Electronics Corp. Each of the founding companies brought a specific area of expertise to the enterprise. General Motors brought world-class vehicle design and integration and an unparalleled distribution system of millions of vehicles, EDS brought much of the systems development and information management and customer service technologies, while Hughes excelled in communications and satellite technology and vehicle electronics.
In 1996, then GM North America Operations President Rick Wagoner officially launched OnStar at the Chicago Auto Show. The new division of General Motors delivered its first product and service to the market in 11 months - in the fall of 1996 for model year 1997 Cadillac DeVille, Seville and Eldorado models. OnStar services are available in the United States and Canada. OnStar is now a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors.