| The technology offering mobile applications on GM | | | | obtained by OnStar is sold to FBI or CIA or other |
| cars is expanding so that owners of 2011 Chevrolet, | | | | parties, according to OnStar representatives. OnStar |
| Buick, Cadillac or GMC will be able to control functions | | | | stated that they do not get information about the |
| of their cars from their phones. Earlier this year, | | | | speed of the vehicle from the speedometer and do |
| mobile applications were announced for Chevy Volt | | | | not offer information to law enforcement agencies |
| only. | | | | to issue speeding tickets. |
| OnStar is going to extend the applications for GM | | | | They also stated that in-vehicle conversations are |
| vehicles and customize them for the customers. The | | | | not listened to without the occupants being noticed |
| applications will be brand specific and owners can | | | | beforehand. Anybody who is concerned about the |
| activate the functions available to them, such as | | | | way OnStar handle information about their vehicles |
| remote start, lock and unlock doors, horn and lights | | | | can decide to not subscribe to their service. |
| using their smartphones. Such applications will be able | | | | OnStar services are available only on General Motors |
| to provide information on the level of fuel, remaining | | | | and Saab Automobile vehicles. There are more than |
| oil life, tire pressure and average of miles per gallon. | | | | five million subscribers to this service. Drivers who |
| The OnStar communication system on GM cars has | | | | have subscribed to the service can use the audio |
| been perceived as too invasive, due to the publicity | | | | interface to communicate with OnStar |
| related to a carjacking in California when OnStar | | | | representatives in emergencies, to obtain vehicle |
| disabled the gas pedal of the car. General Motors | | | | diagnosis or directions. |
| have equipped its vehicles with Stolen Vehicle | | | | The type of service offered by OnStar is a safety |
| Slowdown feature since 2009. OnStar can slow down | | | | tool that can be compared with seatbelts or airbags. |
| a stolen car or deactivate ignition through the | | | | GM started offering this service as a safety tool in |
| Remote Ignition Block. | | | | 1996. It was meant as an alternative to using your |
| However, the possibility of helping the police track | | | | cell phone in an emergency situation. Phone |
| down stolen vehicles has made some customers | | | | applications are being developed nowadays and the |
| question the way OnStar can use the information | | | | range of service is wider, including help in finding out |
| obtained about the cars whose owners are | | | | about weather, traffic, a local restaurant or getting |
| subscribed to their service. | | | | latest stock quotes. |
| OnStar however, claimed that the customers have | | | | While most users are satisfied with OnStar service, |
| misunderstood the way connection is ensured with | | | | the invasion of privacy remains an issue for others. |
| the subscribers' vehicles. OnStar does not monitor | | | | The data collected is meant to be used by the car |
| continuously the location of the vehicles and | | | | manufacturer to improve safety and other features, |
| customers can decide whether they need the | | | | nevertheless other uses could cause concern among |
| subscription to these services or opt out. | | | | the GM customers. |
| Customers should not be worried that information | | | | |