New Toyota Telematics System to Battle GM's OnStar?

Toyota is starting to do the same with G-Book in Japan, repackaging the system for the Daihatsu Motor Co., Subaru-builder Fuji

Toyota's Lexus luxury division previously licensed GM's OnStar system, rebranded as Lexus Link, for use in 2001 LS 430s. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

Heavy Industries Ltd., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. Incidentally, Suzuki Motor Corp. uses Nissan's Carwings.

Interestingly, Toyota's Lexus luxury division previously licensed GM's OnStar system, rebranded as Lexus Link, for use in 2001 model year LS 430s. At a cost of $1,215 USD for the factory-installed option, there were few takers.

Lexus Group vice president and general manager Denney Clements gave GM's OnStar system two thumbs up when the cooperative relationship was announced on September 5, 2000, saying, "Lexus customers deserve and expect to have the latest safety and convenience features incorporated into the LS 430. By working with OnStar, Lexus is showing that we will use the best technology and capability available from around the globe to satisfy our customers' needs."

The basic service package cost owners $215 USD annually back in 2001, and included theft notification and roadside

While no North American launch has been announced, obviously Toyota is expected to eventually offer its telematics system to the world's most lucrative market. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

assistance. Those wanting the Lexus Link premium package needed to buck up $413 USD per year, but it added concierge services and directions. It should also be noted that GM put together a similar deal with Honda, offering an OnStar branded system in the 2002 Acura RL Sedan.

Lexus Link, despite high hopes, has been dropped, opening up an opportunity for a North American-specification version of G-Book Alpha to take its place. Just when that will happen is not known, but Toyota is expected to eventually offer its telematics system to the world's most lucrative market and in so doing, go up against its old strategic partner, OnStar.