We have heard lots about OnStar and got to see it in action at Geneva earlier this year. The good news is that the wait for Onstar in Ireland is nearly over as Opel is set to launch this unique vehicle connectivity this September. The system which has been available in the United States for over 19 years provides a range of real-time services such as emergency response and road-side assistance, vehicle diagnostics plus many more. High speed Wi-Fi for up to seven devices will also become available during 2016. The new Astra will be the first new model to launch OnStar services however this revolutionary system is set to come as standard on selected trims across Opel’s range of passenger cars from this autumn. Following the company’s ambition to make premium technologies available to a wider audience, Opel is also offering these services free of charge for the first 12 months after registration. Pricing for annual subscriptions for OnStar, following the 12-month free subscription, will be announced in August.
“With Opel OnStar we are bringing the latest and potentially life-saving technologies to a wider audience. 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.” said Opel Ireland’s Managing Director, Dave Sheeran.
24/7 lifesaver
Opel OnStar will always be there in case of an emergency, if you’re involved in a crash and can’t call for help, OnStar’s command centre will be altered automatically so that you aren’t left on your own. If an airbag deploys, an advisor will contact the vehicle to determine what help is required. If there is no response, emergency services are immediately sent to the exact location of the vehicle. These advisors are located at the high-tech Opel OnStar service centre in Luton, England and are available 24/7 and 365 days a year with representatives who speak the customers chosen language. In addition, there is also an Opel OnStar ‘SOS’ button that is located in the overhead centre console or the rear-view mirror on some cars. This could be extremely helpful in the event of a medical emergency in the event having a heart attack or seizure or of witnessing an accident. Owners can press this button and a call representative will be available to assist. Furthermore, the new system also includes a multitude of roadside assistance services.
Remote connection with Opel OnStar – The Smartphone App
Owners will be able to connect to their vehicle remotely through a smartphone app which will enable them to:
• Contact OnStar from anywhere in Europe
• Call up important vehicle data such as oil life or tyre pressure
• Remotely lock or unlock the car and locate the car online
• Beep 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 An Garda Siochana in case a vehicle is stolen. Stolen vehicle assistance will assist in the recovery of the vehicle. 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 ‘hide’ functionality so that emergency services can be dispatched to the exact location as quickly as possible.
