General Motors has introduced its leading in-vehicle safety and security system, OnStar at the GITEX 2019, which is currently attracting visitors from all across the globe. The GM OnStar is a membership-based service that connects drivers to a human advisor at General Motors, who assists them in standard situations and emergencies on the road. The service will be available in the Middle East from 2020, hopefully at the start of the year.
OnStar has been helping drivers on the road since 1996 and is available 24/7. Either you experience a flat tire, theft, crash, or any other situation, the assistance is available at the push of a button. Distracted driving, over speeding, and lack of courtesy to other road users, are leading causes of road deaths in the UAE. All these and other factors make UAE roads unsafe, and people feel they need a helping hand in such situations. GM OnStar is there to assist in every situation a driver may come across on the road.
John Roth, President & Managing Director at General Motors Africa and the Middle East, added: “Guided by our global vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion, we work to harness technology and innovation to give everyone a safer, secure journey. Our efforts to bring OnStar to the region play a testament to this. Aligned with the region’s dynamic and visionary leadership, we are working closely with public and private partners such as ESMA, the Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, and Etisalat to ensure a smooth and safe roll-out of our OnStar technology in the UAE.”
GM vehicles from Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac with OnStar have two buttons to interact with the human advisor. Pressing the Blue Button allows them to get information on directions, vehicle diagnostics, and so on. Pressing the Red Button (present on the rear-view mirror) connects them to advisors, skilled in assisting in case of an emergency. The services comprise of Automatic Crash Response, Roadside Assistance, Connected Navigation, On-Demand Diagnostics, Remote Key Lock and Unlock.
Alberto Araque, Vice President/Internet of Things & Digital Payments, Etisalat Digital, stated: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with General Motors on the safe and smooth rollout of OnStar technology in the region, which fosters a safe, more connected and efficient driving experience. This underpins Etisalat Digital’s commitment to supporting the nation’s long-term strategy in promoting digitalization initiatives, including eCall deployment in UAE and other connected car initiatives. This is also aligned closely with our overall strategy of ‘Driving the digital future to empower societies’.”
To know about the launch date along with the pricing and packaging information, stay tuned.