About Face: OnStar Cancels Planned Changes To Terms And Conditions

What an eventful few weeks it’s been for OnStar. Last week, a story broke that the telematics service would continue collecting customer data even after the service was cancelled by the user. Worse, OnStar was requesting the right to sell that data (in anonymous, aggregate form) to third party companies, which prompted a public outcry. New York Senator Chuck Schumer even got involved, asking the FTC to probe the legality of OnStar’s data harvesting. Read more

OnStar Responds: New Video Addresses Terms & Conditions Concerns

OnStar is the most recognized telematics system for vehicles around. We praise OnStar for their improvements over the years making not only owners of GM vehicles lives better, but reaching out to  consumers of other vehicles via their new FMV (for my vehicle) program. In a recent post we highlighted some of the more recent changes to OnStar’s Terms & Conditions and data collection practices. OnStar kindly responded with a new “Clarification on Onstar’s Terms & Conditions” video. Anyone having the slightest doubt about their privacy and security related to OnStar are highly urged to view the video below in its entirety.

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Big Brother Is Watching: OnStar’s New Terms & Conditions

If you subscribe to the OnStar telematics system, chances are good that you ignored a recent e-mail about changes to terms and conditions. If you haven’t already binned the e-mail, we suggest you read it carefully: as The New York Times points out, the changes could have a dramatic impact on your privacy behind the wheel. Read more

OnStar Will Soon Be Available To Non-GM Drivers

Do you like the concept of OnStar, but hate the fact that it’s only offered on GM vehicles? Do you yearn for that little blue button on the rearview mirror in your Honda Accord? According to Jalopnik, there’s good news: OnStar is poised to launch OnStar Anywhere, their first foray into the aftermarket accessory business. The $299 (excluding installation charges) mirror will include most of the features found on the GM version, less a few that require significant vehicle integration. You’ll get stolen vehicle tracking, for example, but OnStar Anywhere won’t have the capability of shutting down your stolen car. Lock your keys inside (which is nearly impossible with modern keyless entry vehicles), and OnStar Anywhere won’t save your bacon.

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OnStar Integrates Google maps for Chevy Volt Navigation Apps

OnStar, the ever-so-popular service found in most General Motors Vehicles providing driver assistance via a live person will be leveraging the power of Google technology to develop a number of new mobile app features for upcoming navigation systems. The first to have this new marriage of navigation integration will be the Chevy Volt.

View the demonstration video and full press release below for more information…

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Ford Offers Job Loss Protection While GM Offers Sweetened Total Confidence Program

Both Ford and GM have announced new programs in hopes of encourage consumers to enter into the car buying market. Within each program both Ford and GM will offer protection to the consumer if they were to lose their job. That means Ford or GM will pick up the payments for a specified amount of time for those who are in the position to qualify for unemployment benefits. The programs are similar to that of Hyundai’s Assurance Program but the terms are even better than Hyundai’s.

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