Holden Telematics the new wave in assistance

HOLDEN is set to introduce its advanced new in-car communications system in the Statesman International model to be released later this month.

Called Holden Assist, the telematics system was originally scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of this year, but was held over to coincide with the release of a premium model such as the limited edition Statesman.

"It's not the sort of thing you just release mid-model life, so we decided to make its first application on the Statesman International, rather than just introducing it along the way," said Holden media and communications manager Amanda Webb.

Originally known as the Onstar system, Holden Assist offers:

• Roadside assistance
• Remote door unlocking (from the call centre)
• Low battery service alert
• Emergency connection service (to the National Emergency Response Centre)
• Airbag deployment notification
• Unauthorised entry alert
• Vehicle location and remote engine immobilisation (if vehicle has been stolen)

The system is operated by a series of buttons integrated into a new electro- chromatic rear view mirror and is linked to a Holden Customer Assistance call centre via GPS satellite and GSM phone networks.

The call centre operates 24 hours a day.

"These are the features of the basic system we will start with, but there is an opportunity to add to that further down the track," Ms Webb said.

Future services could include traffic advice, location guidance, tourist information, general news, internet and e-mail, and e-commerce-based concierge services.

The system is likely to become optional in other Commodore and Statesman models when the VXII range is released in August.