OnStar

OnStar is a telematics and safety system developed by General Motors that offers a wide range of connected services to enhance vehicle security, convenience, and safety. First launched in the 1990s, OnStar has evolved into a subscription-based platform that combines GPS tracking, cellular communication, and cloud technology.

Its core features include automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, roadside assistance, and turn-by-turn navigation. More recently, OnStar has expanded to include in-vehicle Wi-Fi, remote vehicle diagnostics, app-based controls, and integration with smart home devices.

For consumers, OnStar provides peace of mind by ensuring immediate help during emergencies and convenience through remote services like unlocking doors or starting the engine via smartphone. For GM, OnStar represents a profitable service model that generates recurring subscription revenue while differentiating its vehicles from competitors.

While highly valued by many drivers, OnStar does raise privacy concerns, as it continuously collects and transmits vehicle and driver data. Subscription costs may also deter some consumers, particularly since many functions overlap with modern smartphones and infotainment systems.

Still, OnStar remains one of the most recognized and widely used connected vehicle services in North America. Its integration into GM vehicles has also influenced competitors to develop similar offerings.

Ultimately, OnStar illustrates the growing role of connectivity in automotive safety and convenience, showing how telematics has evolved from emergency services to a broader ecosystem of digital mobility solutions.