Aiming to help prevent high speed police pursuits, GM last week introduced an experimental new technology integrated within their OnStar system. Able to gradually and safely slowing stolen vehicle, the new system is the latest enhancement to OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Service.
By slowly starving the engine of fuel, the vehicle is slowed down in a controlled manner and can protect innocent bystanders and police from potential injuries resulting from a pursuit. The Stolen Vehicle Slowdown (SVS) system works with law enforcement services advisors who can send the signal to electronically tranquilize the vehicles driveline.
"OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a powerful tool that could help prevent high speed police pursuits," said Marc Comeau, GM of Canada's vice-president of sales, service, and marketing. "This innovative technology can help save lives, aid in the recovery of stolen vehicles and make our roadways safer for everyone."
SVS, which will be available on nearly 1.7 million 2009 vehicles, works in addition to OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance which uses GPS to pinpoint the whereabouts of a stolen car or truck. In the average month, OnStar receives some 700 stolen vehicle requests, and in the past decade has helped in nearly 30,000 cases.
"From its inception, the motivation behind OnStar has been the safety and security of our subscribers and others on the road," said Chet Huber, OnStar president. "Every service we add builds on this original promise. The Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service will allow our subscribers added peace of mind by possibly preventing their vehicle from being used as an instrument of harm if it happens to be stolen."
photo:General Motors
By slowly starving the engine of fuel, the vehicle is slowed down in a controlled manner and can protect innocent bystanders and police from potential injuries resulting from a pursuit. The Stolen Vehicle Slowdown (SVS) system works with law enforcement services advisors who can send the signal to electronically tranquilize the vehicles driveline.
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"OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a powerful tool that could help prevent high speed police pursuits," said Marc Comeau, GM of Canada's vice-president of sales, service, and marketing. "This innovative technology can help save lives, aid in the recovery of stolen vehicles and make our roadways safer for everyone."
SVS, which will be available on nearly 1.7 million 2009 vehicles, works in addition to OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance which uses GPS to pinpoint the whereabouts of a stolen car or truck. In the average month, OnStar receives some 700 stolen vehicle requests, and in the past decade has helped in nearly 30,000 cases.
"From its inception, the motivation behind OnStar has been the safety and security of our subscribers and others on the road," said Chet Huber, OnStar president. "Every service we add builds on this original promise. The Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service will allow our subscribers added peace of mind by possibly preventing their vehicle from being used as an instrument of harm if it happens to be stolen."
photo:General Motors