OnStar's Chinese users top 171,000 in 1st year
OnStar's telematics service in China has attracted more than 171,000 subscribers in its first year, according to GM China.
In December 2009, OnStar debuted in China in selected models built by Shanghai General Motors Co., GM's joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.
OnStar-equipped vehicles include the Cadillac Escalade and SLS, the Buick Enclave, LaCrosse, Regal and Excelle XT, and the Chevrolet Cruze.
OnStar's Chinese operations are handled by Shanghai OnStar, a joint venture set up in 2009 by GM, SAIC and Shanghai GM.
On December 20, Shanghai OnStar divided its services into two option packages and started charging a different rate for each package. The consumer receives free service for the first 12 months, then chooses one of the two options.
The 1,580 yuan ($239) monthly package contains a full range of services, while the less costly 780 yuan package covers emergency services, vehicle diagnostics, security services and automatic crash response.
According to GM China, OnStar answered more than 2.5 million calls, made 867 emergency responses and recovered 79 stolen cars in China in 2010.
