Customer demand causes GM to double up with OnStar systems

The number of GM vehicles rocking OnStar remote assistance technology will increase from 1.4 million in 2004 to 3 million in 2006. OnStar provides air bag deployment notification, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle locating and remote vehicle diagnostics on cars ranging from low-priced Chevys to luxed-out Caddys. OnStar was introduced in 1996; it is standard on all Hummers and Cadillacs, and a $700 option on many other GM vehicles, with subscription after the first “free” year running about 17 clams a month. An OnStar spokesman said that the retention rate after the first year is 60 percent. As a GM subsidiary, OnStar-style equipment can also be found on models from Lexus, Acura, Audi, Saab, Subaru, Isuzu and VW.

Get Autoblog in your Google feed

The number of GM vehicles rocking OnStar remote assistance technology will increase from 1.4 million in 2004 to 3
million in 2006. OnStar provides air bag deployment notification, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle locating and
remote vehicle diagnostics on cars ranging from low-priced Chevys to luxed-out Caddys. OnStar was introduced in 1996;
it is standard on all Hummers and Cadillacs, and a $700 option on many other GM vehicles, with subscription after the
first “free” year running about 17 clams a month. An OnStar spokesman said that the retention rate after the first year
is 60 percent. As a GM subsidiary, OnStar-style equipment can also be found on models from Lexus, Acura, Audi, Saab,
Subaru, Isuzu and VW.