OnStar Corporation provides interactive safety, security, diagnostic and communication services for its OnStar subscribers. OnStar is available on select GM vehicles in the United States and Canada. As of 2009, there are more than five million OnStar subscribers.
History
The OnStar corporation was founded in 1995 when GM, Electronic Data Systems, and Hughes Electric Corporation came together to create a the interactive system. OnStar was officially launched in 1996 and its services were first utilized for select 1997 Cadillac models.
Crash Response
Sensors will alert OnStar in the event of a crash and an OnStar advisor will attempt to contact whoever is in the car. The OnStar advisor can send medical help if those inside the car request it or if they are unable to respond. Additionally, the advisor can send relevant vehicle information to the medical personnel, such as whether or not the airbags deployed, the speed the vehicle was moving and where the vehicle is located.
Navigation
The driver is able to contact an OnStar advisor and receive turn-by-turn directions to a specific destination. This is similar to receiving directions via a GPS device, though the driver does not have access to a map. Some models feature visual cues (the distance to the next turn displayed as text on the dashboard) in addition to the audio cues.
Diagnostics
As an optional feature, OnStar can send monthly diagnostics of the vehicle via email. At any time a driver may choose to immediately receive a diagnostic report by speaking with an OnStar advisor.
Phone Calls
OnStar provides a hands-free calling service for its subscribers. This service is becoming increasingly useful as laws against cell phone usage on the road become stricter. OnStar claims the reception is stronger than that of a cellular phone. The service uses Verizon Wireless in the United States and Bell Mobility in Canada.
Other Services
An OnStar advisor can unlock the vehicle if the owner happens to lock his keys in the car. OnStar can notify and send the appropriate personnel to the vehicle's specific location if a vehicle require basic roadside assistance.
Stolen Vehicles
When a vehicle owner notifies OnStar that her vehicle has been stolen, OnStar can notify the authorities of the vehicle's exact location. OnStar has also recently debuted a new feature called Stolen Vehicle Slowdown where, with the police in pursuit, the vehicle itself is gradually and remotely slowed until it comes to a stop.
Tags: OnStar advisor, advisor send, OnStar notify, OnStar subscribers, United States, vehicle owner