How do I…. GMC forms tech-savvy crew to help new car owners with IntelliLink system

By Nick Jaynes March 8, 2013

GMC IntelliLink — Image used with permission by copyright holder

How do I play music from my phone in my car again?

Automakers are discovering that many of their customers aren’t quite making the best of the onboard infotainment systems, and dealership sales teams don’t have the time or know-how to effectively indoctrinate buyers, leaving many customers in the dark about how to operate new in-car technology.

To solve this problem, GMC has hired 25 tech specialists from “leading computer and communications companies” to help teach customers how to operate IntelliLink. GMC is calling the team the “Connected Customer Specialists.”

These young, tech-savvy individuals are stationed throughout the country in familiar geographic regions and sent to customers’ homes to indoctrinate them into the high-tech world of GMC ownership.

One Connected Customer Specialist, Adam Luebbers, said in a GMC press release, “What I like to do is help owners make the most of it [IntelliLink] to meet their needs and interests. For example, if they love Pandora we’ll show them how to move that on-screen icon to a prominent location.”

GM is not alone in beefing up tech-savvy staff to help buyers as in-car tech becomes increasingly complicated.

BMW has started a similar plan with its forthcoming i3 electric car. BMW dealerships will have an Apple Genius-style program to help new buyers figure out how to fully utilize their new car’s electronic assistants and systems.

We really like this idea and hope other brands follow suit. We’ve heard too many horror stories about dealership sales teams blatantly lying about car tech just to make a sale – or to sound like they know what they’re talking about.

We feel a program like GMC’s or BMW’s could not only better inform customers but also help do away with dishonest car deals – well, at least from a tech standpoint.

Related story: Touchy, tricky in-car tech system frustrates in test of new Ford Focus Electric

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Best electric car charger deals: $100 off home charging stations

The handle of the Grizzl-E EV charger plugged into a vehicle.

A few years ago, electric vehicles were pretty rare or cost a fortune, but with more and more of the larger car brands getting into the game, there are a lot of excellent and even budget-friendly choices nowadays. That said, the electrical network for charging your cars might not be that widespread, so instead you'll have to rely on charging your car at home. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent car chargers at a discount, so if you've just bought an EV or want to upgrade your current charging solution, be sure to check out our favorite deals below.
Shockflo EV charger — $205, was $220

This EV charger by Shockflo is a Level 2 EV charger, which offers six times faster charging than a standard charger. It delivers 24 miles with just one hour of charging, and it can act as a mobile charger you can throw in the trunk or be mounted to a wall. It has an LCD display with useful information like charging rate, voltage, and charging time, as well as LED indicator lights that lets you know charging progress and errors.

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.