OnStar teams up with MapQuest, XM for new features

OnStar said today that it has teamed up with MapQuest and XM Satellite Radio in order to improve its turn-by-turn navigation service. The partnership with MapQuest will provide GM owners with two new features standard on 22 models while the additional service through XM’s real-time traffic service will be available on 80 percent of GM models with navigation.

“It is a broadly deployed technology that reinforces the next phase of connected navigation within GM vehicles,” said OnStar President Chet Huber. “We believe it is a terrific augmentation to screen-based navigation capabilities that some consumers prefer today. We are committed to continue to innovate in this category.”

GM owners can now send directions to their vehicles via their computers through MapQuest by using a feature called eNav. Drivers no longer have to stop to download directions onto their vehicle. After drivers speak with an OnStar rep, OnStar will send turn-by-turn directions and related maps to the car’s navigations system.

The XM NavTraffic service will let drivers know about traffic problems and will assist them reroute their trip around delays. The service will be available to subscribers in the 2009 model year.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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