While it is one of the companies signing up for Apple's CarPlay, Opel was also using the Geneva Show to highlight its own push for higher levels of in-car technology with the European launch of its OnStar system. OnStar has been available in the US for some time and is essentially a way of connecting the in-car infotainment and communication systems to the web.
Crucially, OnStar will include a built-in 4G mobile data chip, which will not only allows the car to connect its internal systems to the internet, it will also act as a mobile wifi hotspot for anyone on board. As many as seven devices can be connected to it at any one time. The system also includes an emergency response service which will call for help if it detects you’ve had a serious accident, and will also allow you to contact the emergency services if you witness a crash, sending location data along with your call.
OnStar will also perform a regular monthly diagnostic of the car's mechanical and electronic systems and send that health check back to Opel, which could both cut down on the need for visits to the garage and should also help to raise any potential problems before they become more serious and more expensive. Finally, if you can't remember where you've parked, OnStar can send a map to get back to the car to your phone and will even beep the horn and flash the lights when you get near. Opel's parent company General Motors already has 6.5-million OnStar subscribers in the US.
“OnStar and Opel will make driving in Europe safer and more relaxed from 2015,” said Neumann. “With OnStar 4G/LTE, Opel drivers will enjoy high-speed mobile connectivity, and with this we take a major step towards realizing our vision of connectivity – the Opel Monza Concept that we presented last year.”
No specific arrival date for Ireland other than 2015 has been set, although the roll out of 4G has at least begun here. The question of cost will doubtless be the most significant factor here. How much are you willing to pay to turn your car into a wifi zone?
