GM’s OnStar will start giving some developers access to its proprietary application program interface (API) to create mobile applications designed to interact with OnStar’s range of services.

OnStar services are enabled by its cloud platform known as Advanced Telematics Operating System – otherwise known as ATOMS.

“Research shows that the amount of mobile applications for the Android and iOS platforms is likely to double in the next 12 months,” said OnStar President Linda Marshall. “Customer demand is driving a new marketplace for a variety of automotive applications.

“With this step we believe we can broaden our portfolio, grow our business and enable our customers to achieve additional functionality from their vehicle using their computer, smartphone, tablet or other devices,” Marshall said.

OnStar will offer access to its API in the first half of 2012. Developers interested in the API should contact OnStar at developers@onstar.com.

- By: Omar Rana

While Cadillac will discuss the research methods behind the creation of CUE, OnStar will unveil its research in the 4G LTE cloud connected vehicle space, reveal future expansions in the mobile application arena, and make announcements about  OnStar FMV, its aftermarket rearview mirror that contains all of OnStar’s key functions for older vehicles.

A nice little nightmare for NHTSA’s Ray LaHood will be OnStar teaming up with Verizon Wireless 4G LTRE for in-vehicle streaming content sharing for vehicle occupants.

The technology will be demonstrated in a Chevrolet Volt research vehicle and will include include:

• Cloud-based streaming of entertainment and information content throughout the vehicle
• Rear seat infotainment management
• Video chat

- By: Omar Rana

General Motors’ OnStart service has been nearing its long-term goals, which is to offer a compelling reason for consumers to purchase the Detroit automaker’s vehicles. The OnStar service has become a valuable asset to GM and could eventually help the automaker increase capital.

As technology moves forward, the OnStar service has started offering numerous other features and is making a strong financial case for spinning off a the subsidiary as a public company, reports Fortune.

While GM isn’t saying anything officially, the company is already laying the groundwork.

CEO Linda Marshall, who was appointed the position in February, is speeding up initiatives to open up OnStar to the world rather than keeping it closed to GM vehicles.

In October, OnStar started selling a rear-view-mirror that can be installed on non-GM models for $299. The company has also teamed up with Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android to allow app makers to access its services.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CNNMoney

So OnStar is predicting that the Zombie Apocalypse will be happen during this upcoming Halloween—though not really.

But just in case, OnStar and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have teamed up to create OnStar’s new “Monster Dodger” service. So in your travels, should be worried about running into zombies, campires, werewolves, witches, ghosts and ghouls—you name it—OnStar has made sure to be ready to let you know where you have to go to survive…muahahaha.

“Halloween is a fun holiday, and our new Monster Dodger service reflects that,” said Terry Inch, director, OnStar Subscriber Services. “This year, in addition to OnStar providing help to subscribers who need directions to the closest costume shop or convenience store to pick up candy, we are offering families an entertaining button push opportunity.”

On October 31st, subscribers to OnStar can push the blue button on their system and ask for the location of the closest “monster” so they can dodge a potential encounter. And to make sure that you stay prepared, the CDC has recommended to use their Zombie Preparedness Kit on their website.

“Although a zombie attack maybe farfetched, our Advisors are available 24/7 to help drivers with any emergency or service request they may have,” Inch adds. “We’ll continue to see customers through emergencies and less-serious situations – whether outpacing a zombie herd, or directions to a Halloween Monster Mash.”

So if you plan on traveling and have OnStar, you already are a couple steps ahead to surviving. And like “Columbus” said (Jesse Eisenberg) in Zombieland with his list of 30 rules to surviving Z-Day, Rule #4: always wear your seatbelt.

- By: Count-Chris Chin

OnStart today announced that it is reversing its Terms and Conditions policy changes and will not keep a data connection to customers’ car after the OnStar service is canceled.

OnStar said that it has sent e-mails to customers telling them that effective Dec. 1, their service would change so that data from a customer vehicle would continue to be transmitted to OnStar after service was canceled – unless the customer asked for it to be shut off. So remember to ask!

“We realize that our proposed amendments did not satisfy our subscribers,” OnStar President Linda Marshall said. “This is why we are leaving the decision in our customers’ hands. We listened, we responded and we hope to maintain the trust of our more than 6 million customers.”

OnStar said that if it ever offers the option of a data connection after cancellation, it would only be if a customer opted to do so. It said that it would honor customers’ preferences about how data from that connection is treated.

All Photos Copyright © Chris Chin – egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

UPDATE: After contacting OnStar, Joanne Finnorn, Vice President, Subscriber Services, has provided more insight into the matter. You can read her statement after the jump.

OnStar is the buy word when it comes interfacing automobiles with peoples lives for convenience and safety purposes. It’s no doubt that they’re doing well to help provide roadside services for customers as they’ve just expanded their offerings to those who don’t have GM automobiles, which come standard with it.

And because it is a consumer service that requires heavy research and data collecting to help it cater more to the interests of the customers, a lot of personal information is shared with OnStar. That said, such mediums where personal information is shared require extensive “terms and conditions” and “privacy statements” that are so long that you’d think Leo Tolstoy’s War & Peace was just a pamphlet. So most customers just sign away or hit “Agree” without even reading the fine print. For all they know, they could become an experiment to the company like Kyle Broflovski did in South Park’s The Human CentiPad episode.

Okay, maybe not that dramatic. But either way, an independent blogger expended his time for the benefit of ours, by saving us the boring read and pointing out some troubling issues with OnStar’s “Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions.” What a kind chap he is.

In his so-called “drool session,” he alleged that OnStar’s latest “terms and conditions” said that they reserve the right to use the GPS, seatbelt usage, speed and other information obtained by the customers’ integrated data connection service on OnStar equipped cars. Then, they could sell that information to third parties, including law enforcement. So this is shaping up to be similar to when Facebook said that they own everything a user uploads to the profile and could monetarily exploit the information.

To see for myself, the blogger also kindly provided a reference link that is a PDF version of the new OnStar T&C. And one of the first things I read was: “we may use the information we collect about you and your Vehicle to improve the quality of our Service and offerings and may share the information we collect with law enforcement or other public safety officials, credit card processors and/or third parties we contract with who conduct joint marketing initiatives with OnStar.”

After reading the above quote, I realized that this blogger may have some concerning points, ones that could once again begin to deteriorate GM’s shiny new slate.  So instead of me paraphrasing his entire argument, check it out in the link to read his full findings.

Check out the Jonathan Zdziarski’s post here.

Statement from Joanne Finnorn, Vice President, Subscriber Services:

“OnStar has and always will give our customers the choice in how we use their data. We’ve also been very open with our customers about changes in services and privacy terms.

“Under our new Terms and Conditions, when a customer cancels service, we have informed customers that OnStar will maintain a two-way connection to their vehicle unless they ask us not to do so. In the future, this connection may provide us with the capability to alert vehicle occupants about severe weather conditions such as tornado warnings or mandatory evacuations. Another benefit for keeping this connection “open” could be to provide vehicle owners with any updated warranty data or recall issues.

“Of course, if the customer requests us to turn off the two-way connection, we will do as we have always done, and that is honor customers’ requests.

“Our guiding practices regarding sharing our subscribers’ personal information have not changed. We are always very specific about with whom we share customers’ personal information, and how they will use it. We have never sold any personally identifiable information to any third party.

“Keeping the two-way connection open will also allow OnStar to capture general vehicle information that could be used in future product development.

“We apologize for creating any confusion about our Terms and Conditions. We want to make sure we are as clear with our customers as possible, but it’s apparent that we have failed to do this. As always, we are listening to our subscribers’ feedback and we will continue to be open to their suggestions and concerns.”

- By: Chris Chin

GM’s OnStar has a new feature out for their RemoteLink application that will allow drivers to search for a destination on their smartphone and send the directional information directly to the vehicle through the OnStar wireless systems. As a result, drivers can get turn-by-turn directions through OnStar’s in-dash navigation system or its voice feature.

“Our customer focus is simple connectivity and a seamless user experience,” said Steve Schwinke, OnStar director Advanced System Design. “RemoteLink’s navigation enhancement offers our customers another choice in how they get directions, whether they’re in their car, on their computer, or using their compatible smartphone.”

Owners of iPhones or Android-powered smartphones can buy the app with the new feature beginning today, on August 30th. Those who are getting the app for the first time will automatically receive the updated version.

“We know that 95 percent of smartphone users have looked for local information using their phone and 88 percent of them act on the information they find,” added Schwinke. “Whether they need to call or visit a local business, RemoteLink navigation offers a simple and easy solution.”

OnStar RemoteLink Mobile App Navigation Feature:

- By: Chris Chin

General Motors is doing well to expand their offerings globally. And just recently, the General has just announced that they’ll be planning on expanding their OnStar on-board interactive service and roadside assistance.

OnStar entered one of GM’s largest markets in 2009, by introducing themselves in China where Buick’s are extremely popular. Now, OnStar now wants to expand in the Middle East and Latin America while other markets are also being studied.

However, even though OnStar has been in China for a couple years now, OnStar faces some challenges for expansion because the typical operator in the growing Asian country doesn’t have a car. So General Motors is looking into an employment process that offers the operators a company car, which will also help demonstrate the service, said Linda Marshall, OnStar’s president.

The other challenges are language barriers since there are many different dialects that can be found regionally in China and other countries as well. That said, OnStar would need to go above and beyond to make sure that they hire the right people in the right region to make sure that communication by the OnStar operator and the driver is well-established, especially in the event of an emergency.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

General Motors and partner, OnStar, have just unveiled their new program, which allows parents to track the real-time location of their teenagers when they are driving.

This is part of a new pilot program that will help parents know about their kids’ whereabouts.

“Our subscribers have asked us for a solution to help them stay connected to their family when they’re on the road,” said OnStar President Linda Marshall. “What parent hasn’t asked their teenaged driver to call or send a text when they arrive somewhere, only to not hear from them Family Link’s Vehicle Locate feature lets a parent check on their child’s progress or help determine when he/she might be home safe and sound.

“That means peace of mind for them and their loved ones while they’re on the road.”

To kick off the program, General Motors will invite about 10,000 current active US OnStar subscribers to participate in the program.

A secondary program that OnStar is planning is called “Speed Alert, Boundary Alert and Arrival/Departure Alert.” For example, parents can set an alert for when teens drive over 75 mph and receive a text message about it on their cellphone. But the use of program isn’t just limited to teenagers as parents can track the locations of their elders as well in the event of a strong inclement of weather or a remote location/destination.

- By: Chris Chin

In conjunction with OnStar, GM is releasing the very first smart grid pilot this year. The real-world pilot works with utilities with the purpose of lowering consumer costs by making energy usage more efficient.

Nick Pudar, OnStar VP of planning and business development comments on the products implementation: “In contrast to other OEM’s who are only talking about smart grid technology, we’re moving beyond research and development projects to a program in the real world… Through this pilot we will see real-time results on how intelligent energy management can maximize EV charging efficenty and minimize the electric bill for EV drivers.”

Putting the smart grid pilot into action, quite a number of Chevrolet employees will be swapping their daily drivers for the Volt.

OnStar based its solutions on the utility companies program that gives customers the option to allow their providers to turn the homes air conditioning units off and on in response to high or low demands for service. Taking this concept a step further, OnStar uses an Advanced Telematics Operations Management System to track the car’s energy usage, and allow them to favorably alter charging patterns.

Nick Pudar says “OnStar is the only telematics provider that can create a wireless bridge beetween electic vehicles and the grid, building on our learnign form teh Chevrolet Volts on the road today,”.
One of the two smart grid services to be made available is Data Gathering. The utility company will receive data on charging history, time and location, in addition to charge level via OnStar. The utility will in turn use the data to get to rates, forecasts, and optimum locations for charge.

The other service launched with the pilot is called demand response, which manages EV charging. Data is provided to the utility which in turn can use it to determine peak charging hours, and offer incentives to Volt drivers to charge during hours that carry a lower demand.

Both services are provided with permission by customer opt-in. Services will be available nationwide before 2012.

- By: Alexandra Koken

MIT Sophomores Win OnStar Developers Challenge

OnStar has announced that four students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are Grand Prize winners of the OnStar Student Developer Challenge and a $10,000 Developer Dream Package. The students created an app called EatOn, a restaurant discovery experienced within the vehicle.

The winning team included of MIT sophomores Drew Dennison, Isaac Evans, Sara Sprague and Marie Burkland.

“It was a great competition that allowed us to explore the latest in automotive technology,” said Dennison. “There were excellent submissions and strong teams. It was fun to work together; everyone brought 110 percent effort and we are honored to be selected.”

Originally, OnStar challenged students from Carnegie Mellon University, MIT, University of Michigan, University of Texas and University of Toledo to submit voice applications that would help provide a greater level of connectivity to OnStar subscribers.

“This challenge was about looking outside the box in order to develop new technologies that will enrich the driving experience for our six million customers,” said Nick Pudar, OnStar vice president of Planning and Business Development. “We were extremely impressed with all of the students’ final app submissions. These students represent the future of digital connectivity and I wouldn’t be surprised to see one of these applications incorporated into OnStar’s suite of services in the future.”

- By: Omar Rana

OnStar FMV

Earlier this year OnStar announced that it will start offering its core technology and services through consumer electronics retailers with the OnStar standalone rearview mirror. Well, today OnStar announced that from now on, the standalone rearview mirror will be called the OnStar FMV (For My Vehicle) and will feature an external microphone for better voice quality.

The OnStar FMV still costs $299 and is available with a range of service plans starting at $18.95 a month or $199 a year.

“OnStar FMV meets the same rigorous standards for safety, reliability and performance we’ve developed in 15 years of producing and perfecting OnStar for GM vehicles,” said Greg Ross, vice president of Business Extensions at OnStar. “Drivers of Fords, Toyotas and other vehicles now have the unique ‘blue button’ OnStar experience that brings together the best of technology with the best of person-to-person customer service.”

OnStar has not confirmed how many FMVs it has sold since the product launched earlier this year.

OnStar Standalone Rearview Mirror:

Press Release:

OnStar FMV: Retail Product Gets New Name and Performance Upgrade

Free external microphone provides best-in-class audio quality

DETROIT – OnStar’s new retail product will be called OnStar FMV and include an external microphone for best-in-class voice quality comparable to the aftermarket Bluetooth speakerphones and OnStar systems integrated into new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac cars, trucks and crossovers.

OnStar FMV, an abbreviation of For My Vehicle, will bring the industry-leading safety, security and convenience of OnStar to 90 million vehicles already on the road when it goes on sale for $299 this summer.

OnStar FMV offers the same core features that have made OnStar the most trusted and popular safety, security and communications service for more than 6 million subscribers.

Automatic Crash Response, triggered by an accelerometer in the OnStar FMV mirror, connects the vehicle to a trained OnStar emergency advisor in the event of a crash. The advisor can provide the exact location of the crash to emergency responders using the mirror’s GPS location, even if the vehicle’s occupants are unable to respond.

Turn-by-Turn navigation, OnStar’s most-popular service, is accessible with a press of OnStar’s blue button. The driver asks the advisor for directions for a specific address or location, such as a gas station or restaurant. Directions are downloaded to OnStar FMV, which provides spoken turn-by-turn instructions to the destination.

Security services include Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which also uses OnStar FMV’s global positioning satellite location. Roadside assistance is a blue button push away. A red button is for emergency assistance or situations such as witnessing a collision or a crime in progress.

OnStar FMV provides two choices for hands-free calling: through the OnStar service itself, or through a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone. The external microphone, which tucks neatly into the roofline or above the overhead console, gives the best-possible voice quality – while the driver keeps hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The external microphone replaces an embedded microphone in the original design.

The roster of vehicle makes and models compatible with OnStar FMV continues to grow. OnStar has now validated 90 million vehicles manufactured in the last 10 years as compatible with OnStar FMV – up from 55 million when the product was announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January.

OnStar is continuing to actively recruit retailers to carry OnStar FMV, which will sell for $299. Installation, which consists of replacing the existing rearview mirror with the OnStar FMV, is expected to take less than an hour and cost less than $100. A range of service plans will be available for OnStar FMV, starting at $18.95 a month or $199 a year.

For more information on OnStar FMV, visit www.onstar.com.

- By: Omar Rana

OnStar Push On Sweepstakes

In a new national campaign that will remind drivers just how easy it is to stay safely connected while on the road, OnStar launched a new ‘Push On’ Sweepstakes Campaign. The campaign, which launched on March 14, will allow 10 people will win a new OnStar-equipped Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle of their choice.

Anyone with a digital OnStar-equipped vehicle — regardless of whether they are a current OnStar subscriber — can enter to win by pressing the blue OnStar button in their vehicle now through May 31.

“More than 6 million customers currently take advantage of OnStar’s advanced technology while they’re on the road,” said Terry Inch, director of subscriber services. “Yet there are many more drivers out there who may not realize all the award-winning services OnStar offers, like having access to a live advisor at the push of a button or getting monthly emails with key information specific to their vehicle that can help them save money.”

Winners can select anything from a Buick Regal to Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 with any combination of factory-installed options. The only car not on the winning list of winning choices is the limited-production Chevrolet Volt.

To learn more about OnStar’s Push On sweepstakes and for entry details, visit www.onstar.com.

- By: Omar Rana

OnStar Command Center

OnStar has announced that it is offering Crisis Assist services to active subscribers in areas affected by the Tsunami warnings as a result of the earthquake in Japan.

Crisis Assist services are being offered to subscribers in Hawaii and along the Pacific Coastal areas from Southern California to Alaska.

“Preparation is the best defense in any kind of crisis,” said Terry Inch, director, OnStar Subscriber Services. “We just want people to remember that OnStar can assist in these trying times in ways they may not expect, even in the event that other communications are knocked out. OnStar is available round the clock to support its subscribers in need.”

If you would like to help support victims affected by the Japan Earthquake and the Pacific Tsunami please visit American Read Cross here.

Hit the jump for the press release for more details.

Press Release:

OnStar Crisis Assist Services Available for Tsunami Warning
All Services Provided to Affected Subscribers, Regardless of Plan

DETROIT – OnStar is offering Crisis Assist services to active subscribers in areas affected by the Tsunami warning. A simple push of the OnStar button in their vehicle will put subscribers in contact with specially trained Crisis Advisors.

OnStar’s Crisis Assist capabilities include specially trained Crisis Advisors, who can help with:

* Emergency Services: Advisors can contact emergency responders if needed and direct them to the subscriber’s exact vehicle location, using OnStar’s embedded cellular system and Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology. OnStar Advisors can also use GPS technology to provide subscribers with evacuation routes.

* Central point of contact for assistance: Advisors can provide crisis information and centralized assistance for evacuation routing, food, water, shelter locations and hotel accommodations along with information on road closures, power outages, and weather updates.

* Keeping subscribers connected: Subscribers who are without power in their homes or cannot recharge cell phone batteries can push the OnStar blue button to stay connected.

* Reporting new incidents: OnStar encourages subscribers to be Good Samaritans and contact an Advisor whenever they witness someone with an emergency need, so that the Advisor can inform appropriate public safety officials

In addition, OnStar can assist state and federal agencies by providing them with real-time/on-the-ground crisis information from OnStar subscribers.

OnStar continues to offer its full range of services, including navigation and hands-free calling, for subscribers who are affected daily by crisis events at no extra cost, regardless of their subscription plan. For more information on OnStar Crisis Assist, visit www.onstar.com.

Photo Copyright © 2011 Chris Chin – egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

OnStar Command Center

An Alabama man is accused of lying to the police that his vehicle was stolen so that OnStar could locate it with its GPS technology, authorities said. Police say that 51-year-old Gene Patrick Finley has been charged with false reporting to a police officer.

Finley called police on Feb. 4 and reported a stolen car from Glass’s Cocktail N Grill in Decatur. He then proceeded to call OnStar to have the vehicle located – when the vehicle was found, there were four people inside. What’s going on?

Apparently Finley allowed someone to borrow his car but then reported it stolen so OnStar could locate the vehicle. This Finley guy is pretty crazy.

Photo Copyright © 2011 Chris Chin – egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

OnStar offers standalone rearview mirror with its services on non-GM vehicles

When OnStar first announced the availability of its Standalone Rearview Mirror, Best Buy was said to be the first retail partner that would sell the device for $299. GM now announced that more than 1,600 retailers will sell the device that provides the signature blue button service for some 55 million non-GM vehicles.

“Best Buy, OnStar’s first strategic retail partner will offer on-site installation for $75 to $100, while online retailer Crutchfield will sell the product nationwide with referrals to third-party installers,” GM said in a statement. “A range of service plans will be available, starting at $18.95 a month or $199 a year. The retail mirror goes on sale this spring.”

“OnStar is a strong brand name that will drive significant numbers of first-time customers into 12-volt and consumer electronics retailers,” said John Soumbasakis, Ingram Micro’s senior vice president of specialty solutions. “As a safety product, many drivers view OnStar as a ‘must-have’ rather than a ‘nice-to-have’ purchase. Ingram Micro looks forward to helping retailers make the most of this unique opportunity.”

Hit the jump for the press talk.

OnStar Standalone Rearview Mirror:

Press Release:

OnStar Signs More Than 1,600 Retail Locations

New retail product offers signature blue button services for some 55 million non-GM vehicles

DETROIT – More than 1,600 retailers, including all nationwide Best Buy locations, will sell OnStar’s new $299 retail mirror that offers key safety and security features such as Automatic Crash Response, Hands-Free Calling and Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

Best Buy, OnStar’s first strategic retail partner will offer on-site installation for $75 to $100, while online retailer Crutchfield will sell the product nationwide with referrals to third-party installers. A range of service plans will be available, starting at $18.95 a month or $199 a year. The retail mirror goes on sale this spring.

OnStar announced the product at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Jan. 4,  offering OnStar service for the first time in non-GM and older GM vehicles already on the road. The mirror is validated to work on 99 percent of the top 20-selling non-GM vehicles over the last 10 years, or approximately 55 million cars and trucks, with more validations in process.

The new retail product provides the key features that have made OnStar’s “blue button” an icon, including  Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, one-button access to emergency and roadside services, and Bluetooth connectivity.

“Our customers have been asking for years to add OnStar in the cars and trucks they already own – so we’re confident there will be strong demand for the OnStar product right out of the gate,” said Greg Ross, OnStar’s vice president of business extensions.

Ingram Micro is the exclusive master distributor for the retail mirror, responsible for distribution and logistics, merchandising, installation and technical support.

In addition to Best Buy and Crutchfield, several regional retailers will carry the mirror, including:

• ABC Warehouse of Pontiac, Mich., 43 locations
• Al & Ed’s Autosound of Van Nuys, Cal., 18 locations
• Car Toys of Seattle, Wash.; 49 locations
• Columbus Car Audio of Columbus, Ohio; three locations
• Drive-In Autosound of Colorado Springs, Colo.; six locations
• P.C. Richard & Son of Carteret, N.J.; 65 locations
• Sound Of Tri-State of Wilmington, Del.; three locations.

Retailers interested in selling the OnStar product and service can visit Ingram Micro’s OnStar site at www.ingrammicro.com/onstar, email OnStar@ingrammicro.com or call (877) 733-6770.

- By: Omar Rana

OnStar

The Super Bowl may as well be a national holiday since it generates such a huge following from citizens nationwide. OnStar announced today that Super Bowl goers will have special access to information on routes and road closures with a simple push of the blue button.

“To alleviate confusion over road closures, Super Bowl organizers have asked fans to turn off GPS units and follow directions on their parking passes,” OnStar said in a statement.

Organizers of the big game have provided OnStar advisors with information they’ll need to route fans straight to Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on Sunday, February 6.

- By: Omar Rana

Chris Perry named GM U.S. Marketing Vice President

And now for some boring automotive industry news that probably makes no difference to your life as a new car shopper or as a car enthusiast (but we deliver it anyway since we cover basically everything).

Chris Perry has been appointed vice president of GM’s U.S. marketing arm. He is replacing Joel Ewanick, who was named Global Chief Marketing Officer on Dec. 17, 2010. Perry, 50, had served as U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing, since September 2010. Perry will be responsible for “improving the positioning of the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands and consumer consideration of GM vehicles in the United States.”

Rick Scheidt, currently executive director, Chevrolet product marketing, will take Perry’s place as U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. John Schwegman, currently U.S. vice president, Buick-GMC Marketing, is named U.S. vice president, GMC Marketing, while Tony DiSalle, currently product and marketing director, Chevrolet Volt, is named U.S. vice president, Buick Marketing.

GM also announced today that Linda Marshall has been appointed president of OnStar, effective February 1, 2011. She will replace Christopher Preuss, who is leaving GM to launch a communications consultancy practice.

- By: Omar Rana