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OnStar paying special attention to China with Mobile App launch

Lest you think telematics in America is the only thing on the mind of General Motors (NYSE:GM), think again. Shanghai OnStar Telematics recently launched its mobile application for subscribers across China.

Fact is auto sector news out of China is a growing event. So auto sector investors need to pay attention.

This new mobile app service is available with several intelligent mobile phone operating systems: iPhone OS (including iPhone 4); Android (includingMotorola, HTC, Samsung and Huawei); Symbian (Nokia); Windows Mobile (including HTC and Samsung); and Blackberry.

OnStar subscribers can log on to www.onstar.com.cn and click on “My OnStar”to register. They will then be able to download the mobile application free of charge. They may also download the mobile application through websites including Apple App Store and Android Market.

For the record, the GM news release revealed Shanghai OnStar is the only telematics service in China that offers a vehicle integrated mobile phone application. Users can conveniently utilize the functions of a traditional smart key via their mobile phones, such as horn and lights, door lock/unlock. In addition, users can check mileage, fuel level and tire pressure. At the same time, users of 2011 CadillacEscalade, SRX, Buick New LaCrosse and Enclave can also use the OnStar mobile application to remote start their vehicles.

According to Jon Hyde, General Manager of Shanghai OnStar, “The introduction of our mobile application once again demonstrates Shanghai OnStar’s commitment to bringing our best and latest technology to the China market, It will ensure our subscribers a safer, easier and more convenient driving experience.”

So far, Shanghai OnStar has received several accolades for its in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. Most recently, it was honored with the Automobile Call Center System Award at the 2011 China Automobile Industry Information Achievement Awards organized by the China Information Association.

According to Shanghai OnStar Executive Deputy General Manager LiChao, “OnStar’s customer-oriented voice service allows drivers to pay more attention to the road by not requiring them to take their hands off the steering wheel, greatly increasing safety. Because of its growing popularity, we are installing a second Customer Service Center.”

ShanghaiOnStar’s Customer Service Centercurrently provides services to over 300,000 registered users across China. In May, for example, ShanghaiOnStar set a new monthly record, answering more than 1 million subscriber calls.

Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co.,Ltd. is a joint venture that was established by General Motors, SAIC and Shanghai GM. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and peace-of-mindservices for Shanghai GM models manufactured and sold in China.

OnStar provides the following 14 services in China: Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Automatic Air Bag Deployment Response, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, On-Demand Diagnostics, Good Samaritan, Stolen Vehicle Location, Remote Door Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights, Roadside Assistance, Hands-Free Calling, Point of Interest, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, and Destination Download.

[Sources: media.gm.com and OnStar.com]

Full Disclosure: At time of publication, Sherosky, creator of the auto sector charts for TN, is neither long or short with the mentioned stocks, though positions can change at any time. None of the information in this article constitutes a recommendation, but an opinion.

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About the Reporter: After 39 years in the auto industry as a design engineer, Frank Sherosky now trades stocks, futures and writes articles, books and ebooks like, "Perfecting Corporate Character," "Awaken Your Speculator Mind", and "Millennial World Order" via authorfrank.com. He may be contacted here by email: [email protected]

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