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.
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