New Toyota Telematics System to Battle GM's OnStar?

The Opportunity to Develop a More Constant Revenue Stream than New Vehicle Sales Too Tempting to Pass Up?

OnStar has been a runaway success for General Motors, while other automakers, such as Mercedes-Benz have developed

Toyota unveiled its new G-Book Alpha service, which may go head-to-head with General Motors' OnStar system in the near future. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

their own proprietary telematics systems. Toyota Motor Corp., on track to take over top spot in the global automotive feeding chain within the decade, wants to improve its satellite-based communications system to take on the best in the business, and in the process take care of its customers.

The Japanese automaker unveiled its new G-Book Alpha service, a system that will go far to enhance safety applications while also delivering real-time information on road conditions, traffic, weather, and restaurants. The new system will also allow occupants to download audio, video and games.

"When you look at services in the West, they have features that automatically

"There are more possibilities for telematics other than utility and entertainment," commented Akio Toyoda, senior managing director overseeing the telematics division. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

inform emergency authorities of the car's location in case of an accident," commented Akio Toyoda, senior managing director overseeing the telematics division, speaking to a media scrum assembled for a news conference. "There are more possibilities for telematics other than utility and entertainment." The similarities in Mr. Toyoda's name and the company he works for are not coincidental, by the way, as Akio is son of Toyota Honorary Chairman and founder Shoichiro Toyoda, and is also deemed a future president.

G-Book Alpha, in conjunction with Toyota's navigation system, lets occupants speak to a live operator by touching the LCD monitor, whether the need is emergency related or merely a request for directions to the nearest shopping mall.