The OnStar mirror has OnStar’s Automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, one-button access to emergency and roadside services, and hands-free calling, including Bluetooth connectivity.
OnStar is now offering its telematics services in the aftermarket for older General Motors cars and the most popular non-GM vehicles. It’s the first time owners of other makes of automobiles could subscribe to OnStar through a Chinese built electronic mirror.
The standalone rearview mirror containing OnStar’s core technology is now at consumer electronics retailers, including Car Toys, Crutchfield, Fry’s Electronics, Al & Ed’s Autosound and P.C. Richard & Son. Starting 24 July OnStar will be at Best Buy stores nationwide in an exclusive agreement with the national chain.
OnStar FMV – For My Vehicle – sells for $299.99, plus $75 for installation. Service plans for OnStar FMV start at $18.95 a month, or $199 a year.
An estimated 90 million vehicles could be available for the service, including most top-selling vehicles from major automakers. The OnStar mirror is certified to work on 99% of the top 20 selling non-GM vehicles going back 10 years, roughly 55 million cars and trucks.
“The wait is over,” said OnStar President Linda Marshall. “Since we announced OnStar FMV at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, thousands of people have signed up to be notified when this innovative product is ready to buy. Now, through Best Buy, they can enhance their Fords, Toyotas, Chryslers and other brands with the power of OnStar.”
OnStar FMV provides the same core features as the OnStar service built into new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles from General Motors:
- Automatic Crash Response, triggered by an accelerometer in the unit, connects the vehicle to an OnStar emergency advisor in the event of a crash. The advisor can provide the exact location of the crash to emergency responders using the mirror’s GPS location, even if the vehicle’s occupants are unable to respond.
- Turn-by-Turn Navigation, OnStar’s most-popular service with 1.9 million requests a month is accessible with a press of a blue button. The driver asks the advisor for directions for a specific address or location, such as a gas station or restaurant. Directions are downloaded to OnStar FMV, which provides spoken turn-by-turn instructions to the destination.
- Hands-Free Calling is available through the OnStar service itself or through a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone. An external microphone, which is tucked neatly into the roofline or above the overhead console, gives the best-possible voice quality while drivers keeps their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance uses OnStar FMV’s global positioning satellite system to provide a stolen vehicle’s location to law enforcement officials.
- Emergency Services, summoned by pushing the red button, bring specially trained emergency advisors on the line immediately to help in a crisis, such as witnessing a collision or a crime in progress.
- Roadside Assistance for non-emergency situations, such as a mechanical breakdown or a flat tire.
