News From the Auto Industry

According to the Lavergne Group, which is based in Ville d’Anjou, Quebec, Canada, Vyteen PC135 is created using post-consumer five-gallon polycarbonate water bottles. GM uses the regenerated polycarbonate resin to produce metalized taillamp assemblies. The Vyteen PC 135 is injection molded to produce the back frame of the GM taillights.

Q. What about the perception by some observers that telematics is mainly a luxury vehicle feature?

A. We have tried to determine what consumers really want out of this technology. Early on, a lot of people talked about dancing holograms on the dashboard and all those kinds of technologies that make great press releases. But we quickly determined it wasn’t about the technology. It was literally about being able to deliver a completely different approach to safety, security and peace of mind while you’re in a vehicle.

Q. Why should auto-makers be interested in telematics?

One major achievement for OnStar is its adoption by a number of auto manufacturers other than GM. The list includes Audi, Volkswagen, Lexus and Acura, not to mention GM-allied brands, lsuzu and Subaru. In total, more than 60 vehicles on the market now come with OnStar.