| Honda recently announced that it will begin using General Motor’s OnStar service in cars it sells in the U.S., while the American Automotive Association (AAA) said it will be launching a consumer service that will be in direct competition with OnStar, which is owned by General Motors.
Although Honda did not offer any further details, Japan’s Nihon Keizai Shimbun said that the system is expected to arrive in Acura cars as early as 2001. Honda said that it is considering working with GM to develop a satellite-linked system for vehicles.
AAA will beta test its entry in as many as six markets early next year. The service will offer an instant connection to its service center, where drivers can request travel information, ask for a tow truck or an ambulance. Later, AAA expects to add other services, such as an Internet connection or remote vehicle diagnostics. |
