Many new Pontiacs are available with OnStar. If you aren't familiar with what OnStar can provide, it offers increased safety and security to your GM vehicle. Established in 1995 and operational in 1996, it has come a long way since its inception. It now comes with automatic crash response, emergency calls, stolen vehicle location assist, remote door unlock, roadside assistance, Turn-By-Turn Routes, GM Goodwrench remote diagnostics, and hands-free calling.
What does all this mean to you? It means you will own an incredibly secure Pontiac. One that will warn you when your tire pressure is low, or if you have engine problems. It will alert local emergency groups to your location and report your accident if you're in a collision, and even unlock the doors when you lock your keys inside. The Turn-By-Turn Routes feature can navigate you to your destination through displayed and verbal directions.
How effective is OnStar?
Between December 2007 and February 2008, 2,300 automatic crash responses were made. It also assisted over 700 people to find their stolen vehicle.
We were given a demonstration...
We were given a demonstration during our testdrive in this '09 Chevrolet Tahoe. Vehicle Slow Down will find its way into some of the new Pontiacs starting in the '09 model year.
Now GM has decided to take OnStar a step further. Starting on select '09 models, the latest feature, called Vehicle Slow Down, will be incorporated. GM worked closely with law enforcement to bring this feature to reality and will greatly improve the safety of both the officers and your vehicle.
How does it work?
When an OnStar subscriber reports their vehicle as stolen, they're given the option to use Vehicle Slow Down if their car is involved in a high-speed chase or crime. Once the owner gives the go-ahead, officers in pursuit of the vehicle have command of the OnStar system and can shut the car down when they feel it's safest for everyone involved.
The officer makes the command to activate Vehicle Slow Down and a GPS signal is sent to the Pontiac. The newly incorporated Electronic Throttle Bodies on the latest GM cars have their signal interrupted, impeding the driver's ability to accelerate while maintaining full control over the power braking and steering system. This means that the high-speed chase involving the stolen Pontiac has just been resolved.
Best of all, this feature comes at no additional cost over the standard OnStar subscription rate and adds a new level of safety to the Pontiac. Ask your dealership about Pontiac models that will be immediately available with Vehicle Slow Down.