VAUXHALL LAUNCHES ONSTAR IN UK

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,’ added Tim.

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.

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.

In an accident situation, OnStar can recognise where the car is damaged (front, side or rear of the vehicle), even if the occupants are unconscious. Police and ambulance are then immediately deployed. OnStar has Europe-wide relationship with all emergency services, meaning that calls made are dealt with quickly and efficiently with no introduction required.