- Vauxhall to bring OnStar to UK this summer
- Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices
- Emergency response notification if airbags deploy
- Stolen vehicle recovery technology to assist Police
- Free trial period: no charge for OnStar and Wi-Fi for 12 months
- 24/7 European headquarters based in Luton, Beds
- Significant investment, creating 120 new jobs
Vauxhall is bringing OnStar to the UK this summer with a comprehensive package, which includes a high-speed 4G LTE mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery technology.
The system will be free for customers for the first year, and will be available in selected models in Vauxhall’s passenger car range from August. Debuting at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the first all-new Vauxhall to get OnStar will be the Brit-built Astra which arrives in UK showrooms in October.
Based in Luton, Bedfordshire, OnStar’s European headquarters is set to open for business 24/7 this summer thanks to a significant investment in bringing the project to Europe.
Globally, OnStar is the leading provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology in the automobile industry. It connects around seven million customers in the United States, Canada, China and Mexico with features including 4G LTE connection, emergency services and smartphone remote control.
As well as the UK, OnStar will be available in 13 other markets across Europe, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.
“With OnStar, Vauxhall is bringing the latest connectivity technology to a wider audience,” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “OnStar will make driving safer as well as offering new innovations in infotainment and telematics. And best of all, the system will be free to customers for the first year of ownership.
“We are also very pleased to bring the European headquarters to Luton, creating 120 new jobs, joining our head office, Vivaro van plant and UK distribution centre which are already based in the local area,” Tozer added.
Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices
With OnStar, each Vauxhall becomes a powerful, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot giving access to apps and services that require a high-speed mobile or data connection. Up to seven mobile devices can be connected simultaneously. Passengers will be able to stay in touch with family and friends via social media, play games, stream movies or watch TV via their favourite app or work while away from the office.
Emergency response and roadside assistance
If an airbag deploys, OnStar will be alerted automatically and an advisor will then contact the vehicle to determine whether help is required. If there is no response, emergency services are immediately sent to the vehicle.
Available 24/7 and 365 days a year, OnStar Advisors are located at the OnStar service centre in Luton. At a push of an SOS button, OnStar users can request assistance whenever they deem it necessary, for example, if they witness an accident. The OnStar buttons will be located in the overhead centre console or the rear-view mirror on some cars.
The new system also includes roadside assistance services making being stranded with a flat tyre or an empty fuel tank a thing of the past. A call to the OnStar team will ensure that users will receive help as quickly as possible.
Remote connection with OnStar smartphone app
Smartphone users will be able to connect to their vehicle remotely with the OnStar smartphone app enabling them to:
- Contact OnStar from anywhere
- Call up important vehicle data such as oil life or tyre pressure
- Remotely lock or unlock the car
- Locate the car online
- Honk the horn and flash the lights
- Quickly download destinations to the in-car navigation system
- Easily manage the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi hotspot settings
Rapid vehicle recovery
OnStar will be able to assist vehicle owners and police if a vehicle with the system is stolen. The stolen vehicle assistance will enable OnStar to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the car is recovered quickly and safely and returned to its rightful owner. Remote ignition block will allow OnStar to send a remote signal to the vehicle that blocks the engine from starting once it has been reported stolen.
Up-to-date with monthly diagnostics
OnStar can also provide subscribers with a monthly vehicle diagnostics email with the most important vehicle data and information. A diagnostics check can be requested at any time at the push of a button, providing peace of mind before setting off on a longer journey.
European customers in complete control
Subscribers will be in complete control of their data and the services they receive. Before the services are activated they will have to agree to the terms and conditions. They will be able to choose whether they want to reveal their current location – at a push of the Privacy Button their position will be hidden. However, no matter whether the location is hidden/unhidden, OnStar will not be used to monitor its user but will solely offer services. In case of an airbag deployment, OnStar will by default override the mask functionality so that emergency services can be dispatched to the exact location as quickly as possible. In this special case saving lives is priority.