Road & Travel Magazine

Auto Advice & Tips
Auto Buyer's Guides
Car Care Maintenance
Climate Change News
Auto Awards Archive
Insurance & Accidents
Legends & Leaders
New Car Reviews
Planet Driven
Road Humor
Road Trips
RV & Camping
Safety & Security
Teens & Tots Tips
Tire Buying Tips
Used Car Buying
Vehicle Model Guide


Travel Channel
Adventure Travel
Advice & Tips
Airline Rules
Bed & Breakfasts
Cruises & Tours
Destination Reviews
Earth Tones
Family Travel Tips
Health Trip
Hotels & Resorts
Luxury Travel
Pet Travel
RV & Camping
Safety & Security
Spa Reviews
Train Vacations
World Travel Directory

Bookmark and Share
OnStar vehicle diagnostics reaches one million
GM has a new way to enhance the vehicle ownership experience, through a simple monthly e-mail. Called OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, this GM-exclusive service runs hundreds of diagnostic checks from the vehicle's four key operating systems, collects valuable maintenance information and sends a personalized e-mail directly to the owner. It's just one more way OnStar by GM helps deliver safety, security, and peace of mind.

In just over six months since its introduction, the innovative service is an industry first that is quickly gaining momentum and has had very strong receptivity among the OnStar subscriber base. To date, more than one million GM vehicle owners have signed up for OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, which is available to eligible OnStar subscribers as part of their basic service. Research shows that 8 out of 10 new vehicle intenders state that a vehicle manufacturer that offers services like OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics makes higher quality and safer vehicles than those that don't. Additionally, customers report that the monthly OnStar e-mail provides them significant value and saves them time and money by helping to eliminate unnecessary repairs and maintenance.

In fact, strong enthusiasm and customer feedback about this unique service is already helping define future requirements. The e-mail is now available in Spanish, and information such as selling dealership and XM Radio subscription information was added to the report. The report also now alerts the owner if there is an outstanding recall notice that needs attention. More service enhancements, including local fuel station information for E85 Flex Fuel compatible vehicles, are in development.

"Customers are amazed at the capabilities of the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic e-mail, causing it to be the fastest growing service in our 10-year history," said OnStar President Chet Huber. "It's a great extension of our brand commitment to Peace of Mind. In this case, we help provide confidence in knowing that their vehicle is ready for the road."

"Not only does OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics give GM a unique way to stay in touch with its customers, but it also provides us with important diagnostic data about our vehicles so that potential issues are identified and addressed quickly," said Jamie Hresko, vice president of GM North America Quality. "Additionally, it provides GM's vehicle engineers a unique window to critical information throughout the vehicles' lifecycle that will help to improve each generation of products," Hresko added.

"GM's OnStar provides a valuable service to vehicle owners, distinguishes GM's brand and product in the market, and has the added benefit of providing critical data to help GM to continuously improve its vehicles," says Kevin Reale, of AMR Research. "With continuous improvement being an imperative in the auto industry, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics is a key service to protect the brand and create loyal customers," Reale added.

OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics also makes it easy for GM owners to follow the GM Oil-Life System. The GM Oil-Life System, which feeds data into the monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics report, monitors key engine operating conditions to determine when the oil needs to be changed. In today's GM vehicles, it's common to safely travel 8,500 or more miles between oil changes when this industry-exclusive technology is used as intended. By following the GM Oil-Life system, it is estimated that more than 100-million gallons of oil could be saved over the next five years on the millions of GM vehicles that already have this system.

OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics is exclusively for GM customers, and OnStar subscribers can enroll in the opt-in service at the OnStar Web site (www.onstar.com) or by simply pressing their blue OnStar button and asking to be enrolled. OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics service can be activated on most 2004 model-year or newer OnStar-equipped GM vehicles that have GM's exclusive Oil-Life System. Once enrolled, subscribers receive monthly e-mail reports on the four key operating systems: engine/transmission; anti-lock brake; airbag; and OnStar.

The unique e-mail report also provides maintenance reminders based on the vehicle's current odometer reading, remaining engine oil-life and other relevant vehicle ownership and OnStar subscription information.

OnStar Press Release: OnStar Subscribers Quick to Sign-up for Exclusive Vehicle Diagnostic Service

About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services using wireless technology and the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network. OnStar is available on more than 50 GM models for 2005. By the end of 2007, OnStar will be a standard feature for GM's retail customers in the United States and Canada, covering all segments and prices except for some commercial vehicles. OnStar safety and security services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency services, roadside assistance, remote door unlock, and GM Goodwrench remote vehicle diagnostics. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated calls from their vehicle. More information about OnStar can be found at
www.onstar.com.