GM pitches "smart" cars to cut back on discounts
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,604
From: Milton, FL
GM pitches "smart" cars to cut back on discounts
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050913/...s_gm_onstar_dc
interesting ... however, its freaking privacy people out bigtime.
Now, U.S. customers who sign up for OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, which is free, will have a battery of tests done automatically and get an e-mail generated by their own vehicle roughly every 30 days, GM executives said.
They said the e-mails would include feedback on a car's engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes, air bags and other vital vehicle systems.
The e-mails will also include reminders about when a vehicle is due for oil changes or other scheduled service, when customers actually have to pay a visit their local dealership.
They said the e-mails would include feedback on a car's engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes, air bags and other vital vehicle systems.
The e-mails will also include reminders about when a vehicle is due for oil changes or other scheduled service, when customers actually have to pay a visit their local dealership.
interesting ... however, its freaking privacy people out bigtime.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,979
Re: GM pitches "smart" cars to cut back on discounts
Originally Posted by Z28x
I like the idea, but why can't i get the info from the DIC instead of onstar?
Sorry, it had to be done...
...and it had to be done right off.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 321
Re: GM pitches "smart" cars to cut back on discounts
It should be up to the vehicle owner if he wants info transferred to Onstar or not. The onboard recorder already can convict a person if there's an accident. I think this has gone far enough. The next option will be not to buy the car.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,402
From: Toronto, ON Canada
Re: GM pitches "smart" cars to cut back on discounts
Most cars from early 90's have incredible capability of recording information and providing it if you tap in. Most cars from early 90s can be remotely controlled with regards to door locks, lights flashing, horn activating, and yes, even ignition kill.
I work for a company that specializes in vehicle tracking (but not *OnStar).
As for privacy... The only time this privacy fear comes into effect is if this information (as well as your driving history and various other vehicle statistics) come into the hands of someone who knows you or can identify you.
I work for a company that specializes in vehicle tracking (but not *OnStar).
As for privacy... The only time this privacy fear comes into effect is if this information (as well as your driving history and various other vehicle statistics) come into the hands of someone who knows you or can identify you.
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 284
From: Franklin Park, NJ, USA
Re: GM pitches "smart" cars to cut back on discounts
Originally Posted by Dwarf Killer
It should be up to the vehicle owner if he wants info transferred to Onstar or not. The onboard recorder already can convict a person if there's an accident. I think this has gone far enough. The next option will be not to buy the car.
Chris
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,022
From: Newhall, CA USA
Re: GM pitches "smart" cars to cut back on discounts
So I can get an email every 30 days, telling me about all the little things wrong with my car?
As in, all the little things that an import buyer would never know about, never notice, and disbelieve anyway (because, after all, it is an import, and nothing possible could ever go wrong with it).
Great. Great move, GM.
As in, all the little things that an import buyer would never know about, never notice, and disbelieve anyway (because, after all, it is an import, and nothing possible could ever go wrong with it).
Great. Great move, GM.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 4,320
From: Memphis
Re: GM pitches "smart" cars to cut back on discounts
Sounds like a neat optional feature but really I can see it, realistically, being intended for, or at least eventually being used for, a post-sales marketing tool. A way to get people to come to the dealership instead of a 3rd party.
Nothing wrong with that as long as it's optional, but I'm just saying I bet that has been on their mind when they released this feature.
Nothing wrong with that as long as it's optional, but I'm just saying I bet that has been on their mind when they released this feature.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,472
From: South Bend, Indiana
Re: GM pitches "smart" cars to cut back on discounts
Originally Posted by PacerX
You're DIC may not be big enough.
Sorry, it had to be done...
...and it had to be done right off.
Sorry, it had to be done...
...and it had to be done right off.
err...well I can't, but it should be!
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,440
From: five-one-oh/nine-oh-nine
Re: GM pitches "smart" cars to cut back on discounts
Originally Posted by PacerX
You're DIC may not be big enough.
Sorry, it had to be done...
...and it had to be done right off.
Sorry, it had to be done...
...and it had to be done right off.
