Onstar and E-Mail
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From: Canton, Ohio
Onstar and E-Mail
9/14/2005
(Copyright (c) 2005, Dow Jones & Company, Inc.)
General Motors Corp. said yesterday its OnStar in-car communications service will now provide subscribers with monthly reports via email on the status of their car engine, transmission system, airbags, brakes and other components.
OnStar is a satellite-based communications system that GM, of Detroit, is touting for its ability to enable car owners to call for emergency help if they've had an accident.
The new email service, which GM is offering for no additional charge, represents a step toward making OnStar more of a two-way communications system in which GM can provide nonemergency information and services to customers.
"This just gives people a sense that things are taken care of," said Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president for North American sales, service and marketing.
GM's efforts to promote OnStar are part of a broader push to turn around its North American operations, which lost $2.5 billion in the first half of 2005. Earlier this year, GM started a national advertising campaign with the tagline "Only GM," to highlight innovations such as OnStar . Since then, it tried offering customers the same discount prices that previously were available to its employees, and has standardized features that were once optional.
GM is offering OnStar equipment as standard starting in 2007 on 2008 model-year vehicles, including one free year of service. OnStar costs a minimum of $16.95 a month once that year is over.
The email reports, which started going out to customers this week, will tell drivers if something is malfunctioning and if it needs to be repaired immediately or can be delayed.
The system won't diagnose mechanical problems or predict situations that are about to change in a vehicle. The service will only be available on GM vehicles to drivers who request the reports.
GM hopes to use the data it gathers to help its engineers identify problem components and improve future designs. "This will allow us to see trends quicker so it's great for GM manufacturers and engineers," OnStar President Chet Huber says.
Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis at J.D. Power & Associates, says the diagnostic reports could help car makers avoid potential recalls and other costly problems.
"This will help manufacturers identify problems early on in the process, which is always beneficial," he says.
Thought some of you could use this information.
(Copyright (c) 2005, Dow Jones & Company, Inc.)
General Motors Corp. said yesterday its OnStar in-car communications service will now provide subscribers with monthly reports via email on the status of their car engine, transmission system, airbags, brakes and other components.
OnStar is a satellite-based communications system that GM, of Detroit, is touting for its ability to enable car owners to call for emergency help if they've had an accident.
The new email service, which GM is offering for no additional charge, represents a step toward making OnStar more of a two-way communications system in which GM can provide nonemergency information and services to customers.
"This just gives people a sense that things are taken care of," said Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president for North American sales, service and marketing.
GM's efforts to promote OnStar are part of a broader push to turn around its North American operations, which lost $2.5 billion in the first half of 2005. Earlier this year, GM started a national advertising campaign with the tagline "Only GM," to highlight innovations such as OnStar . Since then, it tried offering customers the same discount prices that previously were available to its employees, and has standardized features that were once optional.
GM is offering OnStar equipment as standard starting in 2007 on 2008 model-year vehicles, including one free year of service. OnStar costs a minimum of $16.95 a month once that year is over.
The email reports, which started going out to customers this week, will tell drivers if something is malfunctioning and if it needs to be repaired immediately or can be delayed.
The system won't diagnose mechanical problems or predict situations that are about to change in a vehicle. The service will only be available on GM vehicles to drivers who request the reports.
GM hopes to use the data it gathers to help its engineers identify problem components and improve future designs. "This will allow us to see trends quicker so it's great for GM manufacturers and engineers," OnStar President Chet Huber says.
Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis at J.D. Power & Associates, says the diagnostic reports could help car makers avoid potential recalls and other costly problems.
"This will help manufacturers identify problems early on in the process, which is always beneficial," he says.
Thought some of you could use this information.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-02-05
Posts: 1,668
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From: London
I cant wait till onstar drives me to work in the morning ...
its a cool idea all the stuff comming out of Onstar ...Incredible to think how far it has come ...I dont know if I like it having soo much control over my car ....just me being paranoid I guess ..lol
its a cool idea all the stuff comming out of Onstar ...Incredible to think how far it has come ...I dont know if I like it having soo much control over my car ....just me being paranoid I guess ..lol
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Joined: 07-23-05
Posts: 416
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From: Brownstown, Indiana
thats great! wonder if i gave them my email???
ive often wonderd if they ever check on the vehicle, but more like how fast its being driven, how its being driven, and distances, you know, like big brother watching from the home computer at GM
. but all in all, i have used that phone on there WAY more than i ever thought i would, i have a cell phone, but it does not always get a good signal as i live in a very hilly area with few large towns to support continuous cell coverage. but the phone on the onstar has always worked, and clearly. i would reccomend this to anyone just for that service itself. the peace of mind that someone is there if i have a crash is also worth it. i drive to work late at night (11 pm) and in isolated areas where u only pass 2 cars maybe in a 40 mile stretch, but i see lots of deer!! ( yes it is able to attain high speeds in this area, thats a plus for this car 
) this is just another plus for onstar. hope this might help anybody else if they are thinking of getting it on thier new car. worth the money. 
ive often wonderd if they ever check on the vehicle, but more like how fast its being driven, how its being driven, and distances, you know, like big brother watching from the home computer at GM
. but all in all, i have used that phone on there WAY more than i ever thought i would, i have a cell phone, but it does not always get a good signal as i live in a very hilly area with few large towns to support continuous cell coverage. but the phone on the onstar has always worked, and clearly. i would reccomend this to anyone just for that service itself. the peace of mind that someone is there if i have a crash is also worth it. i drive to work late at night (11 pm) and in isolated areas where u only pass 2 cars maybe in a 40 mile stretch, but i see lots of deer!! ( yes it is able to attain high speeds in this area, thats a plus for this car ) this is just another plus for onstar. hope this might help anybody else if they are thinking of getting it on thier new car. worth the money.
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