The first year of subscription to Onstar will be freeVauxhall's Onstar system will be rolled out across its model range this summer, bringing internet connectivity and new safety and security features
Vauxhall’s new Onstar system will be available in the company’s cars from August, and will be making its debut in the new version of the Astra.
The company has confirmed that the European headquarters for Onstar will be based at Vauxhall’s UK base in Luton. Advisors will man the phones for the system, and new recruits will be subjected to strict language fluency tests. The Onstar headquarters employs 120 people, most of who are new recruits through the project.
As well as the UK, Onstar is set to be offered in countries like Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.
The system will be either optional or standard across Vauxhall’s range within a couple of years and bring a level of car connectivity yet unknown in European cars.
Vauxhall plans to offer it as standard in the new Astra from October and the first year’s connection will be free. From then on, an annual fee of “tens of pounds, not hundreds” will be payable.
As well as providing 4G connectivity for up to seven devices in one car, Onstar offers enhanced safety and security. If an airbag deploys, for instance, an Onstar-equipped car will automatically alert operators in a call centre, who will call assistance if needed.
Onstar operators can also provide information about points of interest and send a route to the car on request. It also can provide tracking information for stolen cars.
If an owner is willing, Onstar will even send information about impending mechanical problems to an owner’s local dealer.
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