Hop in! Let’s take a ride through the history of OnStar.
Yesterday, today, tomorrow — we’re here for you.
When did OnStar come out? Who owns OnStar? We get lots of questions about OnStar history, and it’s no wonder — it’s a long and interesting story. It all started in 1996, and ever since then, we’ve been committed to the safety, security and added peace of mind of our Members. Our first-in-the-industry technology has grown from being the first in-vehicle telematics system and responding to air bag deployments to developing the OnStar Guardian® app,
As we look back on decades of innovation with a human touch, we’ll always find new ways to protect and connect. We’ll always answer the call.
So how did we arrive here? Let’s take a look.
We chat with Chet Huber, former president of OnStar, as he shares memories and reflects on the impact OnStar has made.
2021
Upgrading map capabilities.
The Maps+
OnStar available anywhere you go.
After piloting the feature in 2020, OnStar Members can get OnStar safety services right from their smartphone with the OnStar Guardian app.
Alerting 911 centers with safety notifications.
OnStar and RapidDeploy, a public safety technology company working to accelerate Next Generation 911, launched a first-of-its-kind program to supply every 911 call center in California with OnStar Automatic Crash Response
2019
Amazon Alexa Built-in.
The Amazon Alexa you know at home is now available in your vehicle with Alexa Built-in.
2016
Catching problems before they happen.
OnStar launches Proactive Alerts
2015
Connections by the billion.
OnStar celebrated its one-billionth Member connection in July 2015.
Providing everything from an in-vehicle Wi-Fi® Hotspot
Always keeping a lookout.
OnStar introduces Theft Alarm Notification,
2014
Vehicles get an available built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot.
Most Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models are equipped with an available built-in Wi-Fi® Hotspot.
Vehicle location at your fingertips.
Putting an end to parking lot pandemonium everywhere, Vehicle Locate
Ahead of its time.
OnStar 4G LTE is named “Best of What’s New” in auto by Popular Science. This revolutionary new hardware helps drivers stay connected on the road like never before with an available built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot
2010
Mobile connectivity.
OnStar creates its first mobile app (now integrated into the vehicle mobile app)
We’ll get you there.
From the computer to the car, OnStar becomes one of the first companies to sync the web with your vehicle’s navigation system. Members type in their destination, plan their routes and then send the directions right to their vehicles,
2008
No slowing down forward thinking.
OnStar Stolen Vehicle Assistance
2006
Up in the clouds.
Connecting with global positioning satellites, OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation
2005
Here’s to your vehicle’s health.
With the advent of Vehicle Diagnostics,
1997
Remotely speaking.
OnStar introduces Remote Diagnostics, one of the first in the industry to take the guesswork out of your vehicle’s maintenance needs. Anytime, at the push of a button, Members can request an On-Demand Diagnostics check
1996
Another first for OnStar.
OnStar debuts as the industry’s first embedded telematics system and comprehensive automatic crash notification and security system. When air bags deploy, the built-in OnStar module immediately connects to an Advisor who relays the information to First Responders, helping them work more efficiently when they arrive on the scene.
OnStar debuts in Cadillac.
OnStar was initially a Dealer-installed device offered in several 1997 Cadillac models. We eventually perfected the technology with the built-in system Members use today. Now everything you need is a button-push away.
1995
A beacon for safety.
Project Beacon was launched with the cutting-edge intention of marrying wireless communications with automobiles. Satellite and cellular technology was beamed right into your vehicle. This evolved into today’s OnStar — making road trips and commutes smarter and safer for all.
1966
D.A.I.R. we say innovation?
OnStar was a twinkle in the eye of several engineers when they created the Driver Aid, Information and Routing system, better known as D.A.I.R. This high-tech system could send an emergency message from the car to a service center and featured an automatic message to notify the driver about certain road conditions.
Two views on OnStar Automatic Crash Response.
Two people impacted by Automatic Crash Response:
Smart and savvy 7-year-old saves mom.
Jacob found his mother unconscious in her bedroom. He tried calling 911, but there was confusion with his address. So he went out to his mom’s vehicle and pushed the red Emergency button.
OnStar helps furry friend find forever home.
When OnStar Member John C. made a routine trip to rescue a dachshund, he needed the help of OnStar when he blew a tire
Good Samaritan teams up with Advisor to help unconscious driver.
When Bill R. saw a car stopped at the side of the road, something struck him as odd. This is how he and his son helped a driver suffering a medical emergency.
Carjacked and kidnapped.
Janet G., her 84-year-old mother and 1-year-old granddaughter were heading out for some shopping when a carjacker stole her Chevrolet Traverse with her mother and granddaughter inside. See how OnStar helped, complete with actual police dashcam footage.
Hanging on for safety in a flash flood.
Tammy C. was heading for the airport from her subdivision in Wildwood, Missouri, when a flash flood put her and her GMC Acadia in some deep water. An OnStar Advisor