Onstar: CONNECTIVITY IMPROVING DRIVING BEHAVIOR

Focus: Connectivity Improving Driving Behavior - Using OnStar, to understand the driving style benefits a driver can derive. 

Spokesperson: Luis De La Cruz, Managing Director, Digital Services & Experiences, General Motors Africa & Middle East 

Questions: 

• How does OnStar assess driving behavior?

A1: With OnStar, the tech-ingredient brand of Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac, we aim to revolutionize the driver experience by employing cutting-edge connectivity to assess driving behaviors gauged from on-road experiences. The Smart Driver feature is of especial significance here, as active Members can opt to receive ongoing feedback with results on events such as hard braking, hard acceleration, range driven in comparison to idle time and the resulting impact on fuel economy, as well as high-speed driving occurrences.

Going a step further, the feature also considers late night driving percentages, to allow drivers access to a holistic analysis of their frequent habits when on the road. These factors are taken into consideration, when assigning a Smart Driver score – which allows them to track their progress across driving habits.

• How do these insights support drivers improve their skills behind the wheel?

A2: Upon Member consent, the Smart Driver report provides clear visibility on Member driving behavior, inclusive of the earlier outlined features – that help in maximizing the vehicles’ overall performance, reducing vehicle wear and tear, enhancing fuel efficiency, and helping members become better drivers.

This personalized insight, coupled with actionable feedback such as route planning, gradual acceleration, avoiding peak traffic hours, minimizing distractions and adhering to the speed limit - empowers individuals to make informed decisions, thereby elevating their skills behind the wheel. 

In this way, our commitment to bettering the drive experience allows us to foster seamless integration between the driver and the vehicle, ensuring every journey helps evolve their capabilities.

• In what way does OnStar’s connectivity features further help support driver efficiency and experience?

A3: We believe OnStar's connectivity features redefine the driving experience by integrating cutting-edge technology in Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. Aided by our advanced connectivity, drivers can access a wealth of information and services available at their fingertips.

As an example – it offers effortless navigation powered by the Google-built-in system, which provides real-time updates and optimal routes through Google Maps. Beyond navigation, through Google Assistant - the connectivity features enable hands-free calling, enabling Members to stay connected while focusing on the drive. These are just a few examples of how OnStar's connectivity enhances driver efficiency by providing relevant and useful insights while on the road.

• Can you explain how the OnStar Emergency button works and what kind of assistance can be provided in case of an emergency?

A4: In the event of an emergency, pressing the red button activates a connection with an OnStar Advisor who is ready to assist in emergency situations. The Advisor can verify location through the vehicle's GPS system, and coordinate the appropriate emergency response, whether it be calling for medical assistance, law enforcement, or roadside assistance. Advisors can also stay on the line with drivers until emergency responders arrive, and can connect them to their loved ones, offering elevated comfort and support during a difficult time.

However, OnStar’s services go a step further, as the vehicle’s sensors can detect a crash, in the case of a driver and passengers being unable to act. Activated upon collision and the airbags being deployed, Automatic Crash Response enables a vehicle to alert an OnStar Advisor, who will utilize crash data and GPS technology to locate a vehicle and gauge the severity of the situation. They will then proceed to alert the relevant authorities and emergency responders for assistance. 

• How does OnStar adapt to new automotive technologies and trends?

A5: OnStar continues to embrace emerging technologies, with a focus on constant innovation, as it is encapsulated in our motto, "Better Never Stops." What sets OnStar apart is our ongoing innovation across services, to consistently elevate Member experiences, and in this vein, we roll out regular over-the-air (OTA) updates for both vehicles and mobile applications. Our OTA technology ensures vehicles receive free enhancements and bug fixes while parked, guaranteeing improved drives. 

• How's the response been on the Highway Hero Tournament? 

A6: The Highway Hero Tournament allowed consumers to see how a completely connected car can offer convenience through a new lens. We associate OnStar to a smartphone on wheels – which came across clearly through each episode. Despite being in moving vehicles, specifically a Chevrolet Tahoe and a GMC Yukon, the gamers were able to compete live as they used the uninterrupted data offerings by OnStar and e&.
The competition connected by OnStar was an immersive gaming experience that merged technology and automotive features and has since driven consumer engagement across our social platforms significantly.  

1. What are OnStar's plans for the UAE? 

A7: Our dedication to ensuring “Better Never Stops” positions us as a leader in providing state-of-the-art connectivity solutions, demonstrating that this vision isn't just a motto, but a driving force in our commitment to excellence. The UAE, similar to our wider markets, will see continued innovations and improvements across Member services, which we will share in due course.

• How does OnStar address concerns about Member privacy and data security? 

A8: We are committed to safety in everything we do. General Motors protects the safety and privacy of its customers, their vehicles and their data through a robust cybersecurity strategy. Our vehicle development process includes cybersecurity considerations from the earliest stages of vehicle design.

1. What measures does OnStar have in place to protect user information? 

A9: We understand the sensitive nature of the technology’s services and have processes and procedures in place to protect members and their information. While GM vehicles coming to the Middle East have OnStar Connected Services and Wi-Fi technology built into the vehicle platform, this cannot be activated before a driver subscribes to the service. This means all drivers must opt into the user terms and privacy statement. 

Further to this, Members can cancel their OnStar subscription at any point, which will sever all access to their data. From the moment a Member cancels the service, OnStar will only diagnose the vehicle, sharing reports with the Member on its health and recommending services when required, as part of the Standard connectivity offering.

1. How does OnStar respond to a case of a multi-vehicle accident event?  

A10: In the case of an accident, when pressed the red button activates a connection with an OnStar Advisor to guide and assist drivers. The Advisor verifies the location through the vehicle's GPS system, communicates with drivers to get a firsthand understanding of the severity of the situation and roll out the required emergency response.

Another useful feature OnStar brings to the table is if a Member witnesses an accident or sees someone injured on the road, they can push the red Emergency button and OnStar can request help on their behalf. We call this feature Good Citizen, and is one of the many ways in which we encourage everyone to be safe out there.

1. How many incidents does OnStar respond to each year, and how popular has it been with users?

A11: Currently, there are over 23,000 cars connected via OnStar in our region so far, with over 4 million remote commands issued. 

Our data demonstrates the growing adoption of connected vehicle services in the Middle East, in addition to the potentially life-saving role they play in emergency situations. What is important to note,  is that in addition to enhancing everyday convenience for users, these play a crucial role in shaping the nation's evolving digital landscape, driving towards its long-term economic goals.