Just one day after Ford announced that its Microsoft-based Sync technology would be picking up the capability to have destinations sent to it via Google Maps, General Motors is hitting the road with Google too: the companies have just announced an agreement that will enable users to send destinations from Google Maps to their OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation service using a new feature called eNav.
GM says the eNav feature will become available through Google Maps by the end of June. Once in their vehicles, drivers will be able to pull up destinations sent to the vehicle system from Google Maps; the OnStar system will then generate its own Turn-by-Turn directions from the vehicle’s current location.
Unlike Ford Sync—which is only available in selected 2010 and 2011 vehicles—the Google Maps option will be available on all Turn-by-Turn capable GM vehicles going all the way back to 2006.
“eNav is a perfect solution for subscribers who like the flexibility of being able to use Google Maps to plan their trips in advance, but without the hassle of bringing printed maps into the vehicle,” said Onstar’s VP of new business development Nick Pudar, in a statement.
The Onstar agreement with Google follows on a demonstration of Android-based mobile mapping features intended for the upcoming Chevrolet Volt hybrid electric vehicle.
