Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., GM
Finally! GM to widely incorporate Bluetooth by 2009
One of my biggest pet peeves about the new GM cars I've driven is the unavailability of Bluetooth. Let's face it: most of us use Bluetooth-enabled phones, and as more manufacturers incorporate Bluetooth connectivity into their cars and trucks, GM's apparent lack of action on this front makes it look bad.Consider the new CTS. It's a fantastic car that can be had with full iPod integration, the Gracenote database for your CDs, a 40GB in-dash hard drive, but not Bluetooth integration for your phone. It's a glaring omission in a car that otherwise uses technology to good effect. This applies almost everywhere -- Escalade, Malibu, Denali, you name it -- with the notable exception of the Cadillac STS. If you're not rolling in the CTS' big (and less appealing) brother, you either have to use a headset or the OnStar phone system. This is stupid. Thankfully, it's going to end.
In a reader Q&A session at the GM FYI Blog, Phil Colley of GM Performance Parts responded to a question about GM's dearth of in-car Bluetooth offerings, saying that the General will soon undertake the "broadest rollout of Bluetooth in the industry," with the technology appearing in 30 vehicles across the GM range by MY '09. So, if you want Bluetooth in your new Chevy, you still have to wait a little longer, but at least you know the General's going to get with the program soon enough.
[GM FYI Blog via The GM Source]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Juan 5:44PM (12/18/2007)
Well its better late than never...
And on a side-note I have to say that I am much impressed with GM's new offerings for the past few years. I must admit that they have stepped up their game with their latest designs. Finally I can say I drive an AMERICAN sedan with pride knowing that its on par with the competition if not better. Go GM!!!!
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Chopper Dave 5:45PM (12/18/2007)
Nice--this was one more way Saan couldn't compete; now let's hope they can get the rest of the interior into shape soon.
Not saying it'll ever be a true 3-Series fighter, but the thing has potential. Bluetooth is a nice step toward luxury legitimacy.
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Chopper Dave 5:48PM (12/18/2007)
Duh. Saab, not Saan.
Derek 6:13PM (12/18/2007)
Saab needs to bring back integrated weatherband radio on their cars as well. A wonderful touch that keeps the driver well informed in those terrible winter conditions which Saabs are so good at traveling in.
Erik 6:45PM (12/18/2007)
Saab offers Bluetooth in Europe. I've got the phone controls on my '07 9-3 steering wheel to prove it. :(
Jason 6:05PM (12/18/2007)
Making Bluetooth available allows me to shop the CTS next year when my lease is up. It's hard to believe BT isn't in there now. BT is like navigation: once you have it you can't go without it.
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HotRodzNKustoms 6:16PM (12/18/2007)
Bluetooth is a current factory dealer accessory on the new CTS.
TMC 6:11PM (12/18/2007)
This has everything to do with GM trying to force OnStar down our throats and nothing to do with their reluctance to integrate BT.
If you have BT and a can easily go hands-free with your existing phone, what good is the cellular feature of OnStar? Sure the Orwellian car-tracking and diagnostic features are fun, and I am sure some folks who don't mind GM knowing their every move will rock it, but the cellular minutes and Verizon contract is probably a cash-cow for the General.
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Random Task 6:15PM (12/18/2007)
Typical American short sightedness. Terribly lame.
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SLVR6 1:00AM (12/19/2007)
Wow........your comment speaks wonders. GM may not have integrated bluetooth, but Chrysler has for a few years now. Even the lowly Caliber can be had with BT. Peeved me a bit when we bought our decently loaded Honda Odyssey (Honda is as bad a GM at not getting on the BT bandwagon) and it didn't have BT, yet knowing something as cheap as the Caliber did!
HotRodzNKustoms 6:21PM (12/18/2007)
I would not shed a tear if I had Bluetooth or not.
Now Onstar is something I would have a hard time being without the next time I go to buy a normal new-ish car. Being able to call your car when whoever is driving forgets their cell phones, remote unlock (yes we all have done it), and the emergency services are so worth it. To me it is like making sure to order the passenger airbag.
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MoonRover 7:17PM (12/18/2007)
I'm with you on that, I love Onstar and use it all the time, I would not buy an automobile that did not have it.
Mike Botros 7:24PM (12/18/2007)
you don't need remote unlock if you have a keypad on your door (as long as you remember the code and don't have a brain fart)
Talis 6:25PM (12/18/2007)
You're all welcome. *vain grin*
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Gardiner Westbound 6:33PM (12/18/2007)
Good for GM. Only 5-years late for the Bluetooth party!
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oby 7:01PM (12/18/2007)
And on a side-note I have to say that I am much impressed with GM's new offerings for the past few years. I must admit that they have stepped up their game with their latest designs. Finally I can say I drive an AMERICAN sedan with pride knowing that its on par with the competition if not better. Go GM!!!!
You are easily impressed. The biggest difference between GM sedan offerings versus TOY/HON/NIS is that the GM will fall apart in year 3 whereas the others will go the distance. All the hype about the Aura & Malibu huh! They are the blandest of all the cars in their class. GM have a nerve to refer to them as Accord killers. They have a long way to go before they will best the reputation of the Honda Accord if ever. Besides, as far as this BT thing is concerned, GM may well be bankrupt before it's introduced.
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accord coupe 8:43PM (12/18/2007)
The 2008 accord coupe is way better of a car then any GM out there>Plus it has bluetooth and V-tec a engine that GM dreams 2 make one day. GM can make trucks but their cars really suck. The Malibu is ugly as hell> I hate when the internet compares a malibu to an accord. Its like comparing a corvette to a Ferrari enough said!
Louis Duran 9:04PM (12/18/2007)
@oby
"They are the blandest of all the cars in their class."
Opinions are like a**holes. Everybody has one and they all stink.
Having said that, most of the automotive press and I disagree with you regarding the new Malibu styling. I think the new Accord is a design mess (looks OK enough in photos but in person looks pretty messy and disproportioned. the Camry is just plain bland) In pictures the new Malibu looks good and in person it looks great. Makes my '98 A6 look pretty dull. I'd buy one. As for reliability, I think GM has made up a lot of ground on Honda/Toyota. It is too early to tell on the Malibu but I think Toyota's quality has taken a bit of a slip in the last 5 years. Honda's still seem to be rock-solid.
Jeff 11:37PM (12/18/2007)
You are clearly uninformed on this topic. Recent GM products are favorable to Nissan in the reliability department.
And accordcoupe, I doubt GM dreams about making a Honda OHC VTEC. Just like I doubt Honda dreams about making a monster 500 hp pushrod V8.
Frylock350 8:07AM (12/19/2007)
VTEC is Honda name for camshaft phasing, which the 3.6L GM V6 does. It also generates more torque.