Opel is set to launch the next level of vehicle connectivity this September in Ireland with OnStar. 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 and much 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 next month.
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 alerted 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 customer’s 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 such as a heart attack or seizure. 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.
Owners will be able to connect to their vehicles 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; and last but not least, it easily manages the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi hotspot settings.
In addition, Opel OnStar will assist vehicle owners and An Garda Síochána 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.
