Onstar Command Center & RemoteLink

Part 2 of 3 NAIAS Blog Series.

Welcome sign at OnStar Command Center in Detroit

I had the opportunity to visit the OnStar Command Center in Detroit located at the GM Renaissance Center. Upon entering the Command Center, I could not help but notice the hi-tech security access into the OnStar Center. I thought I'd shy away from photos of cars in this post to focus on the Tech and App side of GM.

Security Access to OnStar Command Center

What is OnStar? OnStar provides auto security & safety features, a turn by turn navigation, Wi-Fi & much more with a single touch of a button as shown below. Basically, you "push" the blue Onstar button and you will be connected to a live advisor from OnStar. How cool is that right? This is an exclusive feature to the GM cars. There are various price plans for OnStar you can find here.

I have used OnStar on test drives, more recently in Kentucky where I wasn't familiar with the streets & highways very well. It was very helpful because I had the option to hear a live voice give me directions or have the option for directions to download to the car. It was also fun to just chit chat with an operator to give a sense of reality... a companion on a lonesome ride?

Did you know that OnStar has a feature called Stolen Vehicle Assistance: Stolen Vehicle Slowdown capability allows an OnStar advisor to remotely send a signal to gradually slow down the stolen vehicle to help authorities recover the car. As the owner of the vehicle all you have to do is call 1-888-4-ONSTAR to make this happen if your car was stolen.

OnStar Command Center

OnStar has various Call Centre's around the world. This is the ellaborate Command Center in Detroit. The map in the middle shows an live update of people pushing the OnStar buttons for assistance. There are over 3 million button presses per month. Isn't that crazy?

In conjunction with OnStar comes RemoteLink App that you can download for iOS and Android.  RemoteLink allows you to start your car from your smartphone. You can enjoy waking up in the morning and starting your car from your bed. How cool is that!?! Let's say your in Russia and your car is in Toronto; you can remote start your car from that far of a distance. Even cooler, right!?! The "Horn & Lights" feature allows you to spot or hear your car in that crowded parking lot. I took this screenshot from a friend who recently bought a Cadillac CTS.

OnStar RemoteLink Smartphone display

RemoteLink is a cool app that gives predictative car diagnostics to you via your phone or email. Imagine receiving a monthly email detailing the health of your car. Viewing the App on the phone will give you updates on how much gas & mileage you have in the tank. It will notify and update you when you need an oil change. It also can tell you if you need more air in each individual tires.

I was given some top secret info *winks* that OnStar "At Your Service" will be incorporated in the future of GM cars; an example of this is when searching for hotels via OnStar, you can receive special partner offers/coupons from Priceline etc. GM will also introduce Apple Car Play & Google Android Auto later this year. Exciting way to extend your smartphone into your car. Another exciting feature is an Insurance Assessment 90 Day Program that drivers can sign up for with info collected by OnStar diagnostics. It would track your driving habits which can help lower your car insurance saving you money. GM is translating technologies into experiences that people will love.  The future looks promising!


Disclosure: I was invited by GM Canada to attend the NAIAS Media event in Detroit. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

March Madness with the Chevrolet Equinox 2013

I recently went on a mini road trip to Detroit to watch NCAA March Madness basketball with 2 friends and a relative. I had the opportunity to use a Chevy 2013 Equinox LT. I want to "Thank" the folks at GM Canada for making this vehicle available to me. It was a pleasure to drive on our 5 hour trip from Toronto to Detroit. It was the perfect sized vehicle for 4 guys and our carry ons, but more on that later since we decided to do some shopping!



My first impression of the interior was of surprise. The leather interior with the red stitching was impressive to say the least. The type of stitching you see in higher end models of car.

For most of the trip I was a back seat passenger. I felt very comfortable with enough leg room in the back. The following two photos show the leg room I had compared to when I was in the The Palace of Auburn Hills to watch the game. I felt more comfortable in an Equinox than my own arena seats at the game.


Back Seat of Equinox


My seat inside The Palace arena.

Heading to The Palace to enjoy the basketball game, we coincidentally spotted the Buick Encore on display. This is another vehicle that looks beautiful and you might want to check out.


After the game, we had a whole day to explore Detroit to eat and shop with the Equinox. We're able to store a lot of bags and shopping bags in the back quite efficiently with no problems.


Here is the back trunk space empty before shopping.


Here is the back trunk filled with all our stuff after shopping.



Overall this Crossover vehicle filled our needs with no complaints. Being guys we might like a little more power on acceleration but it was sufficient for our needs. Very fuel efficient since we only had to fill tank twice on trip. Some of the features I like of the Equinox:

OnStar: Press a button and get a live voice for directional help.

Lane Departure Warning: A button that activates a beep warning if you're close to crossing lanes. Very nice safety feature.

Backside Camera: A camera that allows you to view behind the car on the dash. Great for parking.

Battery Connection behind front console: Allows me to charge my smartphone or device from back seat.

If you are interested in finding out in more detail about the Chevy Equinox: Equinox

Follow @GMCanada on Twitter