History of GM's OnStar

General Motors launched OnStar, which includes navigation, hands-free calling and a remote diagnostics system, in 1996. The system is available on most GM and Saab vehicles. The navigation system covers North America and China. A sibling of OnStar, ChevyStar, is marketed in Latin America. GM has implemented numerous improvements since the launch of OnStar, including tracking for stolen vehicles.

Background

GM initially equipped its luxury cars, such as Cadillac, with OnStar, and has since expanded the service to 50 different cars manufactured under the General Motors umbrella. Some 2002 to 2005 Volkswagen and Acura vehicles licensed the OnStar system as optional equipment. Along with hands-free communication, the system utilizes wireless mobile telephone technology and global positioning satellites, or GPS. As a GPS device, OnStar provides street-by-street directions. It also features diagnostics to anticipate mechanical problems and provides emergency services in the event of a collision that involves air bag deployment.

Features

The driver operates OnStar by simply pushing a blue button under the rearview mirror. A human voice answers through the speakers. OnStar's staff can provide directions or help diagnose an engine problem and send the driver to the nearest GM dealership. The device also can unlock doors if the keys are locked inside the car, or sound the horn if the driver forgets where he parked the car. Weather and live traffic updates are also available. OnStar's red button is for emergency services, including police, fire and medical. Subscribers pay a monthly or annual fee. OnStar subscription services are not included in the price of the vehicle, although GM offers a free trial subscription.

Digital Switch

In 2006, GM announced that it was shutting down OnStar cellular-based analog technology in 2005 and older GM cars. The shutdown affected about 500,000 OnStar subscribers. Model year 2006 and later models feature digital technology. GM's switch to digital technology followed a Federal Communications Commission ruling that allowed mobile phone operators to close analog transmission systems beginning in 2008. GM developed a kit to upgrade vehicles with the analog system to digital. GM could perform upgrades on some 2002 and most 2003 models, and virtually all 2004 and 2005 models. However, the move resulted in lawsuits from some GM vehicles owners who allege GM is liable for upgrade costs. The lawsuits were still pending in 2011. Without the upgrade, analog OnStars are unusable.

Anti-Theft

In 2009, GM implemented a "Remote IgnitionBlock" system to prevent the vehicle from starting once the owner reports stolen. OnStar's GPS system then pings the vehicle with a locator device to determine its location. The feature became available on 2 million OnStar-equipped cars.

RemoteLink and FMV

For 2010 and later GM vehicles, including Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC trucks, General Motors improved and relaunched the OnStar MyLink mobile app program as OnStar RemoteLink. The mobile app provides vehicle owners who have OnStar with current vehicle data, including tire pressure and fuel and oil levels, as well as functions such as remote door locking and unlocking. Starting in 2011, GM also offered OnStar FMV, an installed device which provides more than 75 non-GM vehicles, such as Ford and Chrysler, among others, with basic OnStar features, including navigation, automatic crash response, hands-free calling and roadside assistance.