OnStar improves accessibility for deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired

From: Canada NewsWire (press release), Canada - Jun 2, 2005

Toll-free text telephone (TTY) help line now available to OnStar subscribers.

OSHAWA, ON, June 2 /CNW/ - Effective immediately, GM Canada's OnStar service -- available on more than 50 GM models and considered the automotive industry's benchmark for mobile safety, security and information -- will offer a toll-free text in English or French telephone (TTY) help line for subscribers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired.

The toll-free TTY phone number, 1-877-248-2080, enables direct communication between TTY users and the OnStar call centre through a text telephone device that plugs into a landline or cell phone. The new service means OnStar subscribers can now directly contact an OnStar advisor using a TTY device for stolen vehicle location assistance, remote door unlocks, remote lights and horn (to locate a vehicle in a crowded parking lot or garage) and customer care issues (e.g. non-emergency services such as driving instructions and information and convenience services).

"OnStar has been improving lives and saving lives since 1996, and we're very proud to enhance our ability to serve deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired drivers," said Dave Mitchell, Marketing Manager, OnStar Canada.

The OnStar subscriber's TTY will transmit text directly to a live OnStar advisor who is trained in the use of TTY devices and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customer care issues will be handled from 6:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m. EDT.

About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services using wireless technology and the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network. OnStar is available on more than 50 GM models for 2005. By the end of 2007, OnStar will be a standard feature for GM's retail vehicles sold in the United States and Canada, covering all segments and prices except for some commercial vehicles. OnStar safety and security services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency services, roadside assistance, remote door unlock, and GM Goodwrench remote vehicle diagnostics. OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated calls from their vehicle. For more information about OnStar, visit www.onstar.ca.

About GM Canada
Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada employs more than 20,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures a variety of vehicles, engines, transmissions and other components, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 785 dealerships and retailers across Canada. Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Hummer, Saturn and Saab.

For further information: Stew Low, GM Canada, (905) 644-6786; Jill Rosenberg or Josh Cobden, Environics Communications Inc., (416) 920-9000

GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA LIMITED

© 2005 CNW Group Ltd.