OnStar Launches in the UK This Summer – Video, Photo Gallery

OnStar is a GM-developed system that provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, hands-free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics. The whole nine yards.

Previously available only in the United States of America, OnStar technology will roll out in Europe starting this summer. In mainland EU it will be called Opel OnStar while the Brits will get Vauxhall OnStar. But what's OnStar and how does it improve our lives?

First thing you need to know is that 120 people in Luton will work 24/7 to take care of OnStar operations. In a nutshell, Vauxhall OnStar is a comprehensive package that brings high-speed 4G/LTE Internet connectivity into our cars thanks to a Wi-Fi hotspot feature that can pair up to 7 devices. In addition to this feature, the service adds emergency response notification and a stolen vehicle recovery system that can shut off the car's engine remotely if the vehicle is stolen.

Best of all? The first year of subscription is free, and you can connect to your vehicle via the OnStar smartphone app. Thanks to it, owners of OnStar-equipped Vauxhall models can call up vehicle data such as oil life or tire pressure, remotely lock or unlock the car, locate the car online, honk the horn and flash the lights, download destinations to the in-car navigation system, and manage the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

“OnStar is a staple of people’s motoring lives in North America, China, and Mexico and is now taken for granted by those who own GM products,” declared Jon Hyde, director of Global Expansion at General Motors. “In total, seven million GM customers benefit from OnStar currently, so we’re confident that this technology will become invaluable for buyers of Vauxhall products."