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GM Plans To Expand GPS Rollout

By Staff Writer | October 4, 2004

      This fall, General Motors [GM] is aiming to produce 3 million vehicles in North America during the 2006 model year equipped with its Global Positioning System-enabled (GPS) OnStar in-vehicle safety and communications system. That level of production would more than double the 1.4 million 2004 model GM vehicles installed with OnStar capability.

      OnStar currently is available on more than 50 GM models – ranging from small sedans with a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of around $16,000 up to light trucks, SUVs and luxury sedans. Each month, OnStar advisors respond to about 600 stolen vehicle location requests; 19,000 requests for roadside assistance; 35,000 remote door-unlock requests; and 18,000 remote-diagnostics requests.

      The increased production is due to consumers placing a heightened importance on safety and security features, said Gary Cowger, president of General Motors North America.GM says it is the only automobile manufacturer offering a full range of vehicles providing continuous safety protection before, during and after vehicle collisions.

      Market research has shown that safety and security are important factors considered by consumers when they buy new vehicles and decide whether to include wireless applications in them. GM is finding that GPS is emerging as a value-added feature that consumers are willing to pay for to use in their cars.

      (Keith Yaden, OnStar, 313/667-0784)