Consumer Use of OnStar Mobile Apps Surges

Availability for more 2010 vehicles expected to boost downloads beyond current 56,000

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Mar 16, 2011, 11:54 ET

DETROIT, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Since being launched last year, the OnStar mobile app has been downloaded by more than 56,000 active users who have amassed 1.3 million interactions.

That number is expected to grow in coming months as OnStar today added 14 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles from 2010 that allow users to download vehicle data and more to their mobile devices.

The expanded list of 2010 model year vehicles includes the Cadillac DTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT; the Buick Enclave and Lucerne; the GMC Acadia, Yukon, and Yukon XL; and Chevrolet Avalanche, Impala, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse.

OnStar customers are increasingly using their smart phones to remotely check fuel levels and tire pressure, start their vehicles and make sure doors are locked via OnStar's mobile app, according to data released today from the company. Drivers of the Chevrolet Cruze and Silverado use the app most frequently.

"I think it's safe to say we are very pleased with how drivers have not only downloaded, but interacted with our mobile app," said Sam Mancuso, chief marketing officer, OnStar. "This overwhelming reaction has confirmed our plans to continue to enhance the mobile app, including the potential development of a destination search and send-to-car feature."

Details on the app's potential navigation features will be made available at a later date.

The top use of the app for all vehicles is updating vehicle data, which includes checking fuel levels, oil life, next scheduled maintenance, and other vehicle usage, status and maintenance information. Owners of the Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended-range capability take advantage of data supplied only for that vehicle, including battery charge level and electricity rate tables.

For drivers of other GM vehicles, the second- and third most-used features of the app are locking and unlocking doors remotely and remotely starting the ignition.

OnStar to host mobile app web chat today

Steve Schwinke, director, advanced systems development at OnStar, will host a web chat today from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. EDT, to discuss the availability of the mobile app for the aforementioned 2010 vehicles. The web chat will be hosted on OnStar's Facebook page.

About OnStar

OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology. Currently available on more than 40 MY 2011 GM models, OnStar soon will be available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road through local electronics retailers, including Best Buy. OnStar safely connects its more than six million subscribers, in the U.S., Canada and China, in ways never thought possible. OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a recipient of the 2010 Edison Award for Best New Product in the technology category. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

SOURCE General Motors