General Motors is likely to win over a few more consumers with news that its door unlock and remote engine start app service will now be offered as standard technology on new models.
The applications, which operate through GM’s new RemoteLink Key Fob Services equipped with OnStar, will be offered as standard features on 2014 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models for five years.
According to GM’s official press release, it’s the broadest deployment of remote services offered through a mobile app by any auto manufacturer. Currently, 36 2014 model year GM vehicles are compatible with the RemoteLink mobile app.
Even better, owners can opt out on paying for other OnStar services to use the app to remotely start their car and unlock the door.
“We know our customers value remote services,” said Mary Chan, president GM Global Connected Consumer. “GM owners request remote door unlock assistance through OnStar more than 60,000 times each month, so it makes sense for us to offer RemoteLink Key Fob Services to enable customers to lock, unlock or start their vehicle from anywhere they have a wireless or cellular connection.”
According to GM, remote start is the most popular service offered with the RemoteLink mobile app.
The GM app system also offers a service that enables owners to check the status of a vehicle’s operating systems such as remaining oil life, fuel level range in miles, tire pressure, and miles per gallon. In addition, the RemoteLink app is available with a one-touch connection service that enables a user to contact an OnStar advisor in emergency situations. The services’ “directions and connections” plan allows a GM vehicle owner to send turn-by-turn directions directly from their smartphone to their vehicle.
To use the RemoteLink, an owner of the 2014 GM vehicle simply needs to download the free application to a compatible smartphone.
First introduced on the Chevrolet Volt in 2010, the RemoteLink app is available for nearly all GM brands. It has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times with more than 320,000 regular users, according to the automaker.
