The Middle East’s journey towards the future has been accelerated further thanks to a boost from innovative mobility solutions, including electric vehicles and autonomous cars. As the region incorporates sustainable transportation and AI-powered convenience into the daily commute, high-speed connectivity as well as a digital infrastructure, are paving the way to enhance existing models.

Having smart assistance from computer vision, machine learning and online apps has unlocked options for a safer, more efficient and glitch-free ride. Being a frontrunner among carmakers on a global scale, General Motors is naturally proactive in embedding innovative systems into vehicles for Middle Eastern motorists.

Choosing Kuwait as an entry point for the region that embraces modern tech, General Motors has rolled out OnStar, a pioneering in-vehicle safety and security technology that is leading the way with the Connected Car, in most wagons under the GMC, Cadillac and Chevrolet banners. It has channeled over two decades of excellence in the automobile safety department, for building a network of features that can detect accidents, bring in online assistance and also help rescue workers, backed by a human touch.

Drive safely, move swiftly

Tech-savvy times call for sophisticated safety measures, and OnStar, uses sensors to detect a collision that deploys the airbags and activates all defenses. The smart system immediately connects a driver with a human Advisor, to connect with Emergency Responders and communicate details of the car crash, for effective deployment of on-field help. The lifesaving in-vehicle mechanism will only share the car’s exact location via GPS and details of a crash recorded by sensors, to emergency response teams, so that they can come thoroughly prepared.

In order to make sure that a car-owner gets all the required support and security after an incident on the road, OnStar can also connect the driver with family or friends as the rescue team arrives.

Available on subscription, OnStar’s set of connected car features is activated via the blue button, so that motorists can activate top-notch assistance with a single touch. The blue button can be used to access Connected Services, while the red one is used for emergencies.

Spinning a security web to protect cars from crooks

In addition to an extra layer of on-road safety, OnStar unleashes AI to prevent car thefts when motorists are at work, at home or out shopping. The driver gets a notification whenever a carjacking bid sets off the alarm. Once a report has been filed and local authorities have confirmed that the vehicle has been stolen, on request OnStar Advisors can work hand-in-hand with the police to help them locate the vehicle. When the conditions are right and all safety measures have been considered, only on police request, OnStar can execute Stolen Vehicle Slowdown® or prevent the perpetrator from restarting your vehicle with Remote Ignition BlockTM.

To combine security with comfort, the mechanism offers a Remote Key, which enables car owners to lock or unlock the wagon from a distance. It also enables the driver to adjust cooling in the wagon, before stepping in and driving away. All of this can be done through the MyGMC, MyChevrolet or MyCadillac mobile apps, along with simple things like remotely flashing headlights to help motorists reach their cars.

Stay up to speed with your car’s health

A long journey, road trips or a lot of moving around on busy days, can easily turn into a nightmare due to an unexpected breakdown. But OnStar offers one-touch screenings by a team of advisors, who can track a car’s health via aspects like oil life as well as tire pressure, through requesting a Diagnostics Report via the blue button before you head out.

Monthly reports can also be generated to ensure a glitch-free ride, since the driver is more aware of possible complications than ever before.