GM Adds More Technology to Beat the Competition

GM just upped the ante in the technology wars between automakers. GM is making some of OnStar’s key technology more available. Starting with the 2025 model year, every customer who buys a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle will get Automatic Crash Response, remote vehicle commands, navigation and voice assistance technology free. GM is hoping the extra tech will help convince buyers especially in the entry-level market. GM is targeting buyers like the ones looking at the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and the 2025 Buick Envista. 

“By standardizing some of our most appealing OnStar features, we can deliver more technology and value at every price point, helping ensure our vehicles and customers stay connected for the long term,” said Marissa West, president, GM North America. “With this move, every new vehicle in our lineup will include a compelling set of safety and connected services that is distinct to GM thanks to nearly 30 years of OnStar experience and innovation.”

GM Expanding its Technology to Beat the Competition

GM determined years ago that technology is incredibly important to most young people who are often the company’s entry level buyers. That is why GM has been packing its least expensive vehicles with connectivity and technology. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Chevrolet Trax, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Envista are designed to appeal to the entry level buyers and GM has been carefully curating its technology offerings to make those vehicles more attractive to the tech savvy buyers. Now, GM is expanding its OnStar program to make sure that buyers have the access they want.

Introducing OnStar One Essentials

OnStar One Essentials, the new OnStar package, brings together the features in one convenient bundle for retail customers:

OnStar’s Automatic Crash Response is the industry’s first  automatic crash notification system, connecting customers to critical assistance in the moments after an accident, even if the driver is unresponsive. Specially-trained OnStar Emergency Advisors can immediately call into the vehicle to provide medical assistance and relay vital information to first responders.

Remote vehicle commands allow customers to manage their vehicle wherever they are, using their smartphone. From the myChevrolet, myGMC, myBuick, or myCadillac mobile app, they can lock/unlock, remote start, and locate their vehicle, as well as get on-demand diagnostics and real-time vehicle status notifications, whenever they have those features enabled.

Navigation and voice assistance adds simplicity to the drive with apps like Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant, Google Maps, Maps+, and Waze on eligible vehicles.

How the New OnStarTechnology Program Works

OnStar One Essentials will be included for eight years with every new vehicle purchase at no additional cost. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax and 2025 Buick Envista, two of GM’s most affordable models, will be among the first to get the package. All Cadillac customers will get additional premium OnStar services for three years, starting from the time of vehicle purchase.

Fleet Purchases are Included in the New OnStar Essentials Program

GM Envolve fleet and business customers will receive these standard features for eight years with OnStar One Business Essentials. Retail and fleet vehicles in Canada will receive similar standard content. The included technology could save the fleet owners a lot of money.

Now that GM is upping its technology game, it will be interesting to see how the other automakers respond. GM is using its tech as a way to build brand loyalty. If you make the entry level buyer happy, chances are that their next purchase will be a more expensive model in the same brand. By appealing to the younger drivers and building familiarity with GM technology, GM is hoping to build brand loyalty for life.

GM Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.