Have a FaceBook, Twitter, or other social networking account?

Link them to your fanatic account!

Add An Account

TAKE ME TO...
New Models
AUTOS: GM Using iPhone as Remote Control
App allows owners of 2011 cars and trucks to control functions and access data through OnStar.
Bob Golfen  |  Posted July 22, 2010   Detroit, MI
General Motors' new app for iPhones gives users access to vehicle functions and data from any location. (Photo: General Motors)
Apple iPhones will become the remote controls for new General Motors vehicles, the automaker announced today.

Owners of most 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles will be able to control key functions – such as remote start, horn and lights, and door lock/unlock – using brand-specific apps for their smart phones via the vehicles’ standard OnStar systems, GM says.

The user won’t even have to be near the car or truck, as with regular key-fob remotes, but can send a signal from anyplace to, say, lock or unlock a vehicle from a distant location. A vehicle could be started remotely so that it’s heated or cooled inside by the time its passengers get there.

"Giving our customers control of their vehicles with smart phone application technology is a key advantage of OnStar's in-vehicle connectivity," said OnStar president Chris Preuss. “This technology empowers drivers to make decisions about their travels well before they enter the vehicle, meaning their full attention can stay where it needs to be – on the road ahead.”

The mobile-phone app allows a user to log in using a PIN code for security to access OnStar’s connectivity to check diagnostic information, including fuel tank level and range, remaining oil life, current and recommended tire pressure and lifetime average miles per gallon. The app also allows the owner to check the current odometer reading, vehicle VIN and OnStar account number, or reach OnStar’s customer-assistance advisers 24/7, according to GM.

“We’re working aggressively to bring the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC applications to market as soon as possible,” says Joel Ewanick, vice president for GM Marketing. “Because we know that each brand’s customers have different tastes, wants and needs, the apps will be very specifically tailored to offer them the services they value most, leveraging these innovative OnStar features as a compelling mutual foundation.”

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, who has driven and evaluated essentially every new vehicle sold in the United States. A lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle, he annually attends and writes about Arizona's famous January collector-car auctions, focusing on Scottsdale’s monumental Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event and other Barrett-Jackson auctions. SPEED.com fans email Automotive Editor Bob Golfen at

Play! SPEED Fantasy Racing and Super 7 Sweep
bob_golfen's avatar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bob Golfen

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR
Advertising | Jobs | Feedback | FAQ | Terms of Use | NEW Privacy Policy | Ad Choices | Site Map
Fox Sports | FUEL TV | FX Network | National Geographic | IGN | AskMen
The Motor Sports Authority, SPEED and associated logos are registered trademarks of Speed Channel Inc.
All Rights Reserved © Speed Channel, Inc. 2012

All external links will open in a new browser window. SPEED.com does not endorse external sites.