GM Vehicle Owners are Finding an Easy and Convenient Way to Manage Car Care Through E-mail
April 10 2006 - 8:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Over One Million Sign Up for OnStar's Diagnostic E-mail Service in
First Six Months DETROIT, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 to define future requirements. The
e-mail is now available in Spanish, and information such as selling
dealership and XM Radio subscription information was recently added
to the report. The report also now alerts the owner if there is an
outstanding recall notice that needs attention. More service
enhancements, such as including local fuel station information for
E85 Flex Fuel compatible vehicles, are under development and will
be rolled out over the next several months. "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 (http://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. About OnStar by GM 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 2006.
Over the next few years, OnStar Service will become a standard
feature for one year 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 Hands-Free Calling allows drivers to make and receive
hands-free, voice-activated calls from their vehicle. Hands-free
calling requires a Hands-Free Calling Enabled Vehicle, existing
OnStar service contract and prepaid calling minutes. More
information about OnStar can be found at http://www.onstar.com/ .
OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics is available on most 2004 MY and newer
GM vehicles delivered after 4-21-04 and equipped with the GM
Oil-Life System. Not available on Pontiac Vibe and Saab 9-3 or 9-5.
Diagnostic capabilities vary by model. A valid e-mail address is
required for participation. DATASOURCE: General Motors Corporation
CONTACT: Renee Rashid-Merem of OnStar Communication,
+1-313-665-2790, or cell: +1-586-899-0971, Web site:
http://media.gm.com/ http://www.gm.com/
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