Automotive News reported yesterday that OnStar is shopping its telematics services around to other automakers -- at a time when several car companies and suppliers are launching competitive systems.
And at a time when it may be tougher to get GM car owners to re-up and pay after receiving the service for free the first year.
"We did make a decision late last year that we are now talking to other vehicle manufacturers about the potential of bringing OnStar services to their vehicles in the United States and Canada and other parts of the world," OnStar president Chet Huber told Automotive News at the NADA convention in New Orleans, although he declined to name any prospects.
But we can say for certain the car companies that won't be interested.
It won't be Chrysler or Mercedes, since both automakers have deals with Hughes Telematics to offer the company's services later this year. And it won't be Ford, since the company recently introduced a free 911 Assist feature for its popular Sync system. And it won't be Toyota and Lexus, since the sibling brands will each get their own telematics systems soon.
Maybe it will be with one of OnStar's past dance partners -- including Acura, Audi, Subaru and Volkswagen, but excluding Lexus -- which OnStar and GM decided to part ways with for several reasons, Huber noted.
The biggest reason being OnStar's switch to digital at the beginning of 2008, which also left behind some of the company's analog-only customers.
estreka says:
01:23 PM, 02/ 3/09
I sure wouldn't want OnStar on my vehicles. I'm sure many analog OnStar owners would say the same.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
03:27 PM, 02/ 3/09
It remains to be seen how retro-fittable Onstar Digital will be for those "dance partners" who already have satellite radio capability in their vehicles. If that happens, hopefully the expanded base will help On-Star control costs and improve service.