Consumers soon will be able to control vehicle functions from their smartphones, thanks to an expansion of OnStar's mobile app technology.
In addition to unlocking the doors and sounding a vehicle's horn and lights, OnStar subscribers will be able to see their current fuel tank level and range, remaining oil life, current and recommended tire pressure and lifetime average mpg.
The diagnostic information is current as of the last engine start, giving owners an up-to-date vehicle health report anytime they need it. This technology was first demonstrated for the Chevrolet Volt mobile app at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and now OnStar is expanding the technology to work with the vast majority of vehicles in the 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC portfolios.