Archive for the ‘Onstar’ Category

The iPhone-remote-controlled "Spirit of Berlin" Dodge Grand Caravan that we posted about just earlier today is pretty wild.

In case you missed, it you'll want to check out the video clip demonstrating almost full vehicle operation, from the much-loved Apple handset. To a soundtrack by Yello, of course.

Then you'll probably also want to recall the scene below in Tomorrow Never Dies, where James Bond uses a special smartphone to drive his BMW 7-Series remotely from the backseat.

When will you be able to buy a new car that can respond remotely? It looks like some remote-controlled vehicle features—not driving, silly—might be relatively common...

Rumor has it that Hyundai is working on its own telematics system to rival GM's OnStar and Ford's Microsoft Sync. The news comes via a memo from Hyundai's manager of brand strategy, wherein he asks members of a focus group to help name the new product. Apparently, the system will have four  major focuses, including safety/security, news/entertainment, navigation, and diagnostics. Of the names suggested so far -- including "Fuse" and "Emerge" -- none really stand out, but then, we weren't asked.

If true, this is an intriguing bit of news for Hyundai, which is riding a wave of positive press these days. However, we have to wonder where the...

In what could be one of General Motors' smartest moves in recent years, the company has announced plans to roll out its popular OnStar system in China. This marks the first time OnStar will be offered outside North America. The service will be available as of December 6 -- first in Cadillacs, then Buicks, and eventually Chevrolet models. Subscription pricing was not included in the announcement.

GM's decision isn't surprising. China's economy is growing by leaps and bounds, and by all appearances, the country is recovering faster than others from the global economic crisis. Those factors, along with China's continuing trend toward...