NEW YORK - Audi of America will partner with OnStar to bring
telematics services to their customers beginning with the
redesigned Audi A4 later this year, Audi of America Vice
President Len Hunt announced today at the New York International
Auto Show.
"Audi customers deserve and expect to have the latest safety and
convenience features incorporated into the new, technologically
advanced A4," Hunt said. "Introducing a state-of-the art telematics
program into the A4, shows that Audi will use the best technology
and capability available from around the globe to satisfy our
customers' needs."
"OnStar is very pleased to have developed a relationship with Audi
of America, which further validates the OnStar brand as the
industry leader in the area of in-vehicle communications and
services," said Chet Huber, president of OnStar.
"Audi telematics by OnStar" will offer customers a variety of safety,
security and convenience features, such as automatic notification
of air-bag deployment, remote door lock/unlock, stolen vehicle
tracking, route guidance and concierge services. In addition, Audi
owners will be able to retrieve personalized Internet-based
information like e-mail and news reports through OnStar Virtual
Advisor, or make hands-free cellular phone calls via a personal
calling system. Eventually, Audi Telematics by OnStar will be
available throughout the product line.
About Audi
Audi is an international developer and manufacturer of high-quality
cars. The company has been distributing Audis in the United
States since 1969. In 2000, Audi of America reported its all-time
best sales year by selling 80,372 vehicles in the United States, the
company's largest export market. Worldwide sales in 2000 were
about 650,000 worldwide. Audi maintains production sites in
Germany, Hungary, Brazil, China and South Africa. For more
information on Audi of America, visit the Web site at
www.audiusa.com.
About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors Corp., uses
GPS satellite technology and wireless communication to link the
driver and vehicle to the 24-hour OnStar Center, where advisors
provide real-time, personalized help. OnStar services include
automatic air bag notification, stolen vehicle tracking, emergency
services, remote door unlock, roadside assistance with location,
remote diagnostics, route support, convenience services and
concierge services. New services include OnStar Personal Calling,
which allows drivers to make and receive phone calls in a
completely hands-free, voice-activated manner through a powerful
phone embedded in the vehicle, and Virtual Advisor. For more
information on OnStar, visit the Web site at www.onstar.com
