Car occupants automatically connected with emergency specialist after crash detection
Other main features: 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, stolen vehicle assistance, smartphone app
Free trial period: No charge for Opel OnStar and Wi-Fi for 12 months
Rüsselsheim/Geneva. Can more than seven million happy customers in the U.S.A., Canada, China and Mexico be wrong? No is Opel’s unequivocal response uttered loud and clear at the 85th International Geneva Motor Show. Therefore, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker will be introducing Opel OnStar, the new mobility and service assistant, across the company’s passenger car range from August 2015. The first introduction wave will see Opel OnStar being rolled out in 13 European markets with additional European markets following later. Following the company’s ambition to make premium technologies available to a wider audience, customers will be able to use the entire service portfolio provided by Opel OnStar as well as the high-speed Wi-Fi hotspot free of charge for the first 12 months after registration.
“Connectivity is one of Opel’s unique selling points as seen with our award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system. Opel OnStar, for which we have already received a Connected Car Award, is further proof that we want to deliver trendsetting innovations in connectivity to a wider audience,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Opel OnStar is a ground-breaking technology: It will add a new level of safety to our vehicles and at the same time make driving more comfortable. The direct dialogue with our customers will create stronger ties with the brand. All this will convince even more new buyers that Opel is the right choice.”
4G LTE Connection with Wi-Fi Hotspot
With mobile data speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G technologies, increased responsiveness, and the ability to support simultaneous voice and data connections, a built-in 4G LTE connection will enable advances in a wide range of in-vehicle communications and entertainment capabilities. The 4G LTE connection enables a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing up to seven devices to connect in and around the vehicle. Passengers will be able to stay in touch with family and friends via social media, play games, stream movies or watch TV via their favorite app or to work while away from the office.
The built-in 4G LTE structure is specifically designed for in-vehicle use as it is integrated into the vehicle’s electrical system and includes an external antenna to maximize coverage and connectivity. Customers will not be required to have a smartphone to use connected services. 4G LTE will initially be introduced in three markets, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands with the remaining countries following suit at a later stage.
24/7 lifesaver
In addition to the entertainment and working tool features, Opel OnStar is also there in case of an emergency and can be a real lifesaver – whether you can ask for it yourself or not. If an airbag deploys, Opel OnStar will be alerted automatically. An advisor will then contact the vehicle to determine whether help is required. If there is no response, emergency responders are immediately sent to the exact location of the vehicle. Opel OnStar Advisors located at the high-tech Opel OnStar service center in Luton, England, are available 24/7 and 365 days a year. The Opel OnStar buttons will be located in the overhead center console or the rear-view mirror on some cars. Furthermore, the new system also includes roadside assistance services.
Remote connection with Opel OnStar – The Smartphone App
Smartphone owners will be able to connect to their vehicle remotely with a smartphone app. It will enable them to:
Contact OnStar from anywhere
Call up important vehicle data such as oil life or tire pressure
Remotely lock or unlock the car
Locate the car online
Honk the horn and flash the lights
Quickly download destinations to the in-car navigation system
Easily manage the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi hotspot settings
Rapid vehicle recovery
In addition, Opel OnStar will assist vehicle owners and police alike in case a vehicle with the system is stolen. The stolen vehicle assistance will enable Opel OnStar to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the car is recovered quickly and safely and returned to its rightful owner. Remote Ignition Block will allow Opel OnStar to send a remote signal to the vehicle that blocks the engine from starting once it has been reported stolen.
Up-to-date with monthly diagnostics
Opel OnStar can also provide subscribers with a monthly Vehicle Diagnostics email with the most important vehicle data and information. Furthermore, a diagnostics check can be requested at any time at the push of a button, thus providing peace of mind before setting off on a longer journey.
European customers in complete control
Opel OnStar subscribers in Europe will be in complete control of their data and the Opel OnStar services they receive. Before the services are activated they will have to agree to the terms and conditions. Furthermore, they will be able to choose whether they want to reveal their current location – at a push of the Privacy Button their position will be masked. However, no matter whether the location is masked/unmasked Opel OnStar will not be used to monitor its user but will solely offer emergency services. In case of an airbag deployment, Opel OnStar will by default override the mask functionality so that emergency services can be dispatched to the exact location as quickly as possible.
