The free features, including the locking and unlocking of doors, are part of the Detroit-based automaker's OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob services, which were previously exclusively available with an OnStar subscription.
OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob Services will be offered to customers for free for five years when purchasing a 2014 model vehicle. ROYAL OAK, MI- General Motors Co. will offer free remote start and other OnStar remote features to all customers who purchase a 2014 model year vehicle for five years, officials announced today.
The free services are part of the Detroit-based automaker's OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob Services, which were previously exclusively available with an OnStar subscription.
The RemoteLink Key Fob services, which debuted in 2010, work through smartphones, tablets and other devices to allow customers to start a vehicle, lock and unlock their doors, and find their car in a crowded lot by honking the horn and flashing the lights.
"This is the next step in the journey. The next step in connecting the customer," said Phil Abram, GM chief infotainment officer, during a media event Wednesday morning in Royal Oak.
GM says the new free program “is the broadest deployment of remote services offered through a mobile app by any auto manufacturer.” Thirty-six 2014 model year GM vehicles, including the already released 2014 Chevrolet Impala, are compatible with the RemoteLink mobile app.
To use the services, all customers have to do is download the OnStar RemoteLink app and sign up for an OnStar username and password. Customers do not have to have an OnStar subscription for the free Key Fob services.
“We think offering and adding this value and convenience will help us sell more cars, trucks and vehicles,” Abram said. “It also provides us a means for keeping in touch with our customers because they’re going to be using this application on a regular basis.”
Remote start is the most popular remote service by current users of the RemoteLink Mobile app, according to Abram.
The complete set of RemoteLink Mobile App services remain available with a trial or paid OnStar subscription. Additional services include monitoring the status of the vehicle’s operating systems, including remaining oil life, fuel level range in miles, tire pressure, and miles per gallon.
OnStar subscriptions range from $18.95 to $27.95 per month depending on the range of services.
Offering the free Key Fob services to customers is the most recent step in GM's strategy to connect the customer to their vehicle wherever they may be, according to Mary Chan, president GM Global Connected Consumer.
"We're building that (constant) connectivity into the vehicle," she said during the media event.
In the past six months, GM has made a number of announcements related to vehicle connectivity, including offering 4G LTE in most vehicles and Apple Inc.'s Siri "Eyes Free Integration."
Officials said pricing following the first five years of service for the Key Fob services has not been determined.
Check back to MLive Autos for more information.
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