GM's OnStar Joins MapQuest for Desktop Route Planning

Ever look up your destination on MapQuest or Google before leaving the office or home, print it out, then head out the door to your car? GM is now working with MapQuest to send a route from a computer to an OnStar system, skipping the print-out phase entirely — much like a program BMW is conducting in Europe with Google.

New OnStar systems in select GM vehicles feature Turn-by-Turn navigation. That means you get directions spoken to you through the OnStar system and shown via small images on your stereo head unit. It’s not a full navigation screen like in many cars. This new MapQuest effort will have the directions ready for you when you get in the car so you won’t have to use the OnStar button then wait for the directions to download.

It seems like a basic idea but a good one, especially for devoted OnStar users. We’re also hearing rumblings from some automakers that investing in built-in navigation systems isn’t ideal because the technology becomes outdated far faster than the cars themselves, which are lasting longer than ever. Add the lower cost, smaller size and augmented capabilities of aftermarket GPS units, and we’d have to think that current built-in nav systems may need to adapt. Which method sounds right to you? 

OnStar, MapQuest Unite in Joint Venture (USAToday)

Related
OnStar Dumping Analog Subscribers (KickingTires)
GPS on the Go (Cars.com)

Comments

The biggest problem with aftermarket things is the number of wires running around all over the place. I have an Ipod dock and a satellite radio in my car - both power outlets are already occupied. I would really like to get a nav unit but the thought of extra wires puts me off. For that reason, I'd like abuilt-in nav unit in my next car.

BrownBear,
Thats what I'm saying. The automakers would likely design a center stack with an "accessory" area to help folks like you out. Plus the new GPS units can hold hundreds of MP3s these days ;)

And then in three years when they're completely outdated you get a new, smaller, better cooler one and aren't thinking of trading in a car after a few years because your nav is old and dated.

My biggest concern about a factory built in nav system is the cost to replace it if it breaks someday. Those are horrendously expensive, and would only become more so as the vehicle ages. Too many vehicle functions are integrated into those nav systems, too, so you HAVE to fix it to use the car. I won't ever buy a car with a built-in nav system, but would much rather buy an aftermarket Garmin unit. Many of those can now be installed in many car brands at the car dealer to "look" built in, thus hiding all the wiring. They're a lot cheaper than factory units and in many cases work better, too.

if you paid attention to the picture, the directions are on the screen and works through the ONSTAR SYSTEM! there is no screen or crap like that.

For me, I think it boils down to cost and ability. I can find much better quality in aftermarket units that would have better capabilities and most important to me, much better than OEM audio sound quality. Wires all over the place? Not in every case. Blue tooth technology is available and alleviates alot of the spaghetti wiring.

If I'm too lazy to look at a map or bring one along for emergencies in the first place, I don't need to be taking my trip. Take away the basic ability to read a map from people and they will soon rely soley on NAV units. What happens when they malfunction or fail to operate? You're stuck.