| OnStar, General Motors’ (GM) wireless electronics unit, has teamed up with Fidelity Investments to form an alliance to provide drivers with hands-free access to financial data and eventually the ability to trade. Fidelity, the largest US mutual fund group and a brokerage, will become the financial services provider to OnStar’s Virtual Advisor.
OnStar uses global positioning satellite (GPS) and mobile wireless technology to beam information and services to cars. GM has installed the system in its cars since last May. Its Virtual Advisor allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel while accessing internet, e-mail and other information.
The Fidelity alliance will give Virtual Advisor the ability to offer stock quotations, watchlists, market news and information immediately to all subscribers. Eventually, OnStar plans to add trading and account access and manipulation for Fidelity customers — including those with retirement accounts managed by Fidelity. Drivers may also soon be able to open an account with Fidelity by talking to the system in their car.
OnStar is rolling out Virtual Advisor in the northeast US now, and plans an April launch nationwide. The service will be available to most subscribers nationally by mid-year. |
