OnStar

OnStar Corporation is a subsidiary of General Motors that provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics systems throughout the United States, Canada and China. OnStar services are only available currently on vehicles manufactured by General Motors and Saab Automobile. The service is available for all vehicles that have the factory-installed OnStar hardware. A similar service is known as ChevyStar in Latin American markets. The service currently has more than five million customers.

Overview

The OnStar service relies on CDMA mobile phone voice and data communication, primarily via its MVNO service which runs on MNOs Verizon Wireless in the United States and Bell Mobility in Canada, as well as location information using GPS technology.

Drivers and passengers can use its audio interface to contact OnStar representatives for emergency services, vehicle diagnostics and directions. OnStar equipped vehicles with an active subscription will also contact representatives in the event of a collision in which the airbags are deployed. Newer models (on vehicles from approximately 2006 and later) will contact OnStar in any type of collision regardless of airbag deployment. This new service is called Advanced Automatic Crash Response (AACR) and is designed to assist emergency response efforts.

When a driver presses the Red OnStar Emergency button or Blue OnStar button, current vehicle data and the user’s GPS location are immediately gathered. This information is then sent to OnStar. OnStar Emergency calls are routed to the OnStar Centre with highest priority. Three centres exist to receive emergency calls: Pontiac, Michigan; Charlotte, North Carolina and Ontario, Canada, and all centres are open 24 hours a day.

All OnStar equipped vehicles have Stolen Vehicle Tracking, which can provide the police with the vehicle’s exact location, speed and direction of movement. Starting in 2009, General Motors began equipping some new vehicles with Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. This feature allows OnStar to remotely slow down the stolen vehicle. The service is also expected to help reduce the risk of property damage, serious injuries or fatalities resulting from high-speed pursuits of stolen vehicles. Customers may opt out of that function. The first successful use of this service occurred in October 2009 when a stolen Chevrolet Tahoe was recovered and its suspected thief was apprehended.

Also in 2009, General Motors began equipping some new vehicles with Remote Ignition Block, allowing OnStar to remotely deactivate the ignition so when the vehicle is shut off, it cannot be restarted. All Stolen Vehicle Assistance Services (Stolen Vehicle Tracking, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown and Remote Ignition Block) can be requested by the OnStar subscriber, but OnStar will not activate them until confirming with the police that the vehicle has been reported as stolen.

OnStar subscribers may be eligible for anti-theft and low mileage insurance discounts. Since OnStar can help with the recovery of a stolen vehicle, some insurance companies recognise this and offer a discount. Also, with certain insurance companies (for example, GMAC Insurance) and with subscriber permission, OnStar will send the insurance company the vehicle’s odometer reading every month. If the subscriber qualifies as a low-mileage driver, they may be eligible for an insurance discount.

History*

Services

Emergency

Automatic Crash Response: Built into the vehicle and monitored 24/7 by specially trained Advisors, Automatic Crash Response allows OnStar to send help to the exact location–even when customers can’t ask for it. The moment a crash is detected, a specially-trained Emergency Advisor is connected to the vehicle. If the customer request help, or can’t answer, emergency responders are sent to the precise GPS location. Advisors monitor the OnStar network 24 hours a day, so there’s always someone to help when customers need it most. The vehicle also transmits important crash data to OnStar, including direction and number of impacts, rollover status, and a maximum velocity at impact. This measures the impact, and helps first responders gauge severity. An Advisor shares this potentially life-saving information with responders before they even arrive. After a crash, an invisible countdown begins. Emergency professionals call it “the Golden Hour:” it’s the best time to minimise injury and maximise outcomes. Automatic Crash Response helps medical workers get to you faster, armed with information about your emergency.

Emergency Services: In a medical emergency: OnStar’s trained Advisors are ready for emergencies, and can stay on the line until help arrives.

• Crisis Assist: In a disaster, OnStar subscribers get full access to all services, including Navigation and Hands-Free Calling.
• Constant Monitoring: from OnStar’s Command Centre watches for crises and disasters.
• Crisis Assist zones: when OnStar detect’s a crisis, OnStar enable’s all services for its customer(s).
• Direct Help: OnStar will call into your car with escape routes based on GPS location and will help its customers to reach family and loved ones.

Watch a Brief Video here, or here or finally watch the following story.

Connections

Hands-Free Calling (minutes required)
Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel—OnStar Hands-Free Calling keeps customers connected, even when your cell phone can’t. It’s built-in service has been designed for better connectivity with fewer dropped calls. Even in places where handheld cell phones are banned while driving—OnStar enables its customers to call hands-free.

OnStar MyLink™ Mobile App
OnStar service includes a simple, easy way to connect to the customers vehicle. Customers can use this app anytime to lock or unlock their doors, activate their horn and lights, or even start their engines. If customers wonder if it’s time to change the oil? OnStar MyLink can provide real-time diagnostics, track vehicle’s mileage, and more.

The OnStar MyLink™ Mobile App can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store, and Android™ store.

Diagnostics

OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics
OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics sends customers a monthly email report showing what’s going on with their vehicle. This email is in a simple language and contains images and is included in the OnStar service, at no additional cost. OnStar automatically run hundreds of diagnostic and maintenance checks on the vehicle’s key operating systems, which include:

• Engine and Transmission System
• StabiliTrak® Stability Control System
• Air Bag System
• Emissions System
• Antilock Brake System
• OnStar System
• Maintenance Information
• Recommended Maintenance
• Tire Pressure

ON DEMAND DIAGNOSTICS
Customers can run a diagnostics check from the road by simply pushing the blue button and an Advisor will complete a real-time check—and let you know what to do.

LOW MILEAGE DISCOUNT
The mileage reported in the OnStar Diagnostics emails can reduce customers insurance premiums. Just choose one of the participating insurer and OnStar will verify the customers monthly miles for them.

Security

Stolen Vehicle Assistance
There’s no experience of safety like feeling confident—even after an auto theft. If the customers’ vehicle is stolen, OnStar works with the police to attempt to recover it—swiftly and safely.

Remote Ignition Block and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown®
The newest tools in the OnStar theft recovery arsenal help lead to quicker recovery—and help reduce property damage, injuries, and fatalities associated with high-speed chases.

• LOCATE; GPS technology can pinpoint the location of the vehicle and provide it to authorities.
• BLOCK; OnStar can remotely block the ignition, making it impossible to restart the vehicle once it’s turned off.
• DISABLE; An Advisor can work with the police to send a signal to the vehicle, forcing it to gradually and safely slow down.

Roadside Assistance
An empty gas tank. A flat tire. If customers find themselves stranded, can push the OnStar button, and Roadside Assistance can be on the way. OnStar will contact a nearby dealership, towing service or gas station and send them to the precise location.

Remote Services – including Remote Door Unlock and Remote Horn and Lights
With OnStar, customers who lock their keys in the car can through OnStar open the vehicle in minutes by simply calling OnStar. An Advisor will confirm the account information and security verification, and will send a signal to unlock your doors. Ever lose your car in a huge lot or airport garage? With Remote Horn and Lights, one call to an OnStar Advisor can get a remote signal sent to activate the vehicle’s horn and lights—and make it easier to track down.

Navigation

Turn-by-Turn Navigation – including Destination Download
OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation connects customers to there destination effortlessly. Just push a button for directions which the customer saved with eNav or for an Advisor to help customers get anywhere with the most up-to-date routes.

• Push: Built in and ready to go, whenever customers need it.
• Ask: Pick a location which customers have stored or ask an Advisor how to get anywhere, including millions of points of interest
• Go: Just follow the directions which displays through the In Dash Navigation.

In Dash Navigation
Customers can program and send destinations via the internet to the navigation screen with eNav, or just by pushing the blue button.

eNav: with Google Maps and MapQuest destinations
Harness the power of MapQuest and Google Maps to make travel planning even simpler. Customers can plan the route ahead of time and send it to the vehicle with one click. Customers can store multiple destinations—and retrieve them from the vehicle whenever they want, and get up-to-the-minute Turn-by-Turn directions.

Share: Have a memorable drive or a favourite shortcut? Share it with other users, post details and snapshots, and more—all at OnStar Facebook Page.

Sources

wiki – OnStar
OnStar
GM Canada, OnStar
OnStar Coverage
Telematics Research Ranks OnStar Systems the Easiest to Use

Trademark
The marks appearing on this website including, but not limited to, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC and their respective logos, emblems, slogans and vehicle model names and body designs are trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors. OnStar and the OnStar emblem are registered trademarks of OnStar, LLC.

Copyright
Copyright [2011] OnStar, LLC. All Rights Reserved. All text, images, graphics, animation, videos for this post is the copyright and other intellectual property rights of OnStar, LLC.

Image Credit; Logo © OnStar, (Photo by Emile Wamsteker for Chevrolet)