OnStar's Diagnostic system quickly gaining momentum

[drew630]

GM Vehicle Owners are Finding an Easy and Convenient Way to Manage Car Care Through E-mail

Over One Million Sign Up for OnStar's Diagnostic E-mail Service in First Six Months


DETROIT, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- GM has a new way to enhance the vehicle ownership experience, through a simple monthly e-mail. Called OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, this GM-exclusive service runs hundreds of diagnostic checks from the vehicle's four key operating systems, collects valuable maintenance information and sends a personalized e-mail directly to the owner. It's just one more way OnStar by GM helps deliver safety, security, and peace of mind.
In just over six months since its introduction, the innovative service is an industry first that is quickly gaining momentum and has had very strong receptivity among the OnStar subscriber base. To date, more than one million GM vehicle owners have signed up for OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, which is available to eligible OnStar subscribers as part of their basic service. Research shows that 8 out of 10 new vehicle intenders state that a vehicle manufacturer that offers services like OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics makes higher quality and safer vehicles than those that don't. Additionally, customers report that the monthly OnStar e-mail provides them significant value and saves them time and money by helping to eliminate unnecessary repairs and maintenance.
In fact, strong enthusiasm and customer feedback about this unique service is already helping to define future requirements. The e-mail is now available in Spanish, and information such as selling dealership and XM Radio subscription information was recently added to the report. The report also now alerts the owner if there is an outstanding recall notice that needs attention. More service enhancements, such as including local fuel station information for E85 Flex Fuel compatible vehicles, are under development and will be rolled out over the next several months.
"Customers are amazed at the capabilities of the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic e-mail, causing it to be the fastest growing service in our 10-year history," said OnStar President Chet Huber. "It's a great extension of our brand commitment to Peace of Mind. In this case, we help provide confidence in knowing that their vehicle is ready for the road."
"Not only does OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics give GM a unique way to stay in touch with its customers, but it also provides us with important diagnostic data about our vehicles so that potential issues are identified and addressed quickly," said Jamie Hresko, vice president of GM North America Quality. "Additionally, it provides GM's vehicle engineers a unique window to critical information throughout the vehicles' lifecycle that will help to improve each generation of products," Hresko added. "GM's OnStar provides a valuable service to vehicle owners, distinguishes GM's brand and product in the market, and has the added benefit of providing critical data to help GM to continuously improve its vehicles," says Kevin Reale, of AMR Research. "With continuous improvement being an imperative in the auto industry, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics is a key service to protect the brand and create loyal customers," Reale added.

Article continues at http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/tic...7&Symbol=US:GM

[jfnz24]

Great news.

[GM_Fanatic]

I wonder what type of data GM is also pulling from the cars that they could use to help them better understand their customers and produce more appealing/reliable/better suited vehicles.

Any ideas? I'm thinking like driver habits, driving statistics and such.

This is a great way to connect to your customers even after the initial purchase of the vehicle.

[Buick61]

I get the monthly email. It always says all systems are functioning fine, even though there's an intermittent failure of the Traction Control system that eludes detection.

I must say, everytime the check engine or other failure light comes on (happens a lot, unfortunately), the OnStar folks are quite pleasant and have a diagnosis with in a handful of seconds.

OnStar is going to be the hardest thing to give up when I don't buy GM next time.

[bone]

I have always been very thorough in assuring my vehicles are well maintain. I shudder at the thought of On Star e-mailing me on this issue. What a pain.

[kenman923]

My next vehicle, no doubt, will have Onstar. After all, it will be standard on all GM vehicles by 2010.

[JDHogfisher]

Hey, Bone HEAD

Whats wrong with a little technology helping you diagnose a problem you dont even know you have.... It amazing to me how ignorant some people can be. Technology is a good thing, embrace it, dont be afraid of it. Im sure your problem one of the "older generation" always want to complain about something. GOOD JOB

[Aromanances]

Why don't they also mention the fine reliability GM has. The adds sort of reinforce what some think that GM reliability is poor. I can here them now " yeah you will need that diagnostic thing if you buy GM." Why don't they say something like. GM builds the some of most reliable vehicles you can buy, but for added piece of mind we can let you know if a problem comes up.

[steve333]

Originally Posted by Buick61

I get the monthly email. It always says all systems are functioning fine, even though there's an intermittent failure of the Traction Control system that eludes detection.

I must say, everytime the check engine or other failure light comes on (happens a lot, unfortunately), the OnStar folks are quite pleasant and have a diagnosis with in a handful of seconds.

OnStar is going to be the hardest thing to give up when I don't buy GM next time.

Why arent you going to buy GM next time?

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by steve333

Why arent you going to buy GM next time?

I want a rear wheel drive car with a V8 and four doors for about $34,000.

[GM_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by Buick61

I want a rear wheel drive car with a V8 and four doors for about $34,000.

Theres hope with the G8 (regarding the latest rumors on the GTO), but depends on when your next purchase will be. If its before 2020, then yes, your fresh out of luck with GM.

[steverino]

Originally Posted by bone

I have always been very thorough in assuring my vehicles are well maintain. I shudder at the thought of On Star e-mailing me on this issue. What a pain.

It's voluntary, if you don't want it, don't have to sign up for it.

[DemonKnightDK]

GM will have a RWD 4door V8 car before 2020.. serisouly it wont take them 14 years to make it. Zeta is done, the aussies are getting it very shortly, then its just a matter of retooling a plant in northamerica. the Impala most likely will be RWD-V8 along the Grand Prix/G8 (i dont see the monte staying around though, unless they make it a coupe from epislon 2 cause the camaro will be the RWD perfamance coupe.)

[GM_Fanatic]

hence the wink, I would be pleasently suprised to see a RWD sedan before the end of the decade though. 2009 or 2010 if they spend their GMAC cash wisely.

[Tomko]

Originally Posted by Buick61

I want a rear wheel drive car with a V8 and four doors for about $34,000.

I know what you mean. So tell me, are you planning on buying a Panther platform Ford or an LX / W210 platform DaimlerChrysler?