OnStar Partners with MapQuest

OnStar has announced a partnership with MapQuest which enable OnStar users to load destinations from the MapQuest site into their OnStar-equipped vehicles.

Online and mobile mapping service MapQuest and General Motor’s OnStar in-vehicle communications and safety system have announed a new partnership which will enable OnStar users to send destinations from the MapQuest Web site directly to their vehicle’s Turn-by-Turn Navigation service. Dubbed Web Destination Entry, the idea is that users can plan their routes and destinations using the MapQuest Web site, and, once everything’s been set up, configured, and confirmed, load the information into their OnStar system for use on the road.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The companies expect to launch a pilot program with about 3,000 users in mid-2007, with an official launch late in 2007.

“One of our goals at MapQuest is to make it convenient and easy for our users to plan their journey on their desktop computers and send the information to their cars,” said Jim Greiner, senior VP and General Manager of MapQuest, in a release. “This represents another example of how we are extending our ability to help consumers access MapQuest services whenever and wherever they need them.”

GM is ramping up the number of vehicles with factory-installed GPS systems, including all Buick and nearly all Cadillac models; the service will be available in nearly 2 million vehicles during 2007 and another 3 million in 2008. Navigation services usually come with a year’s service on purchase of anew vehicle; after that, navigation services can be renewed for about $300 a year.