GM and OnStar Recognized for Ingenuity

DETROIT, April 26, 2013 /3BL Media/ – General Motors has won bronze and silver Edison Awards for two corporate initiatives, its global landfill-free program and OnStar Family Link service, respectively. The competition honors game-changing products, services and processes.

"These awards reaffirm our ability to lead in the transformation of the automotive industry with a commitment to innovation that benefits our customers around the globe," said Jon Lauckner, GM chief technology officer and vice president of Global Research & Development.

OnStar’s Family Link is an opt-in service allowing OnStar subscribers to stay connected to loved ones using location-based data. Subscribers can visit the Family Link website to view a map with their vehicle’s location and even set up email or text notifications alerting them of its whereabouts. Family Link gives subscribers peace of mind, whether it’s checking on the progress of young drivers or staying updated on family members who may be driving in inclement weather.

“OnStar continues to evolve because we spend time listening to our subscribers so we can develop new technologies and applications that meet their needs,” said Terry Inch, OnStar chief operating officer. “Family Link is the result of OnStar turning what our subscribers imagine into a solution they can use.”

Since Family Link was introduced last April, more than 23,000 OnStar subscribers have signed up. Users send a combined total of more than 800,000 text and email location alerts each month.

GM’s commitment to environmental stewardship helps it to consistently innovate and operate leaner and more efficiently. It recycles 90 percent of its global manufacturing waste and has 105 landfill-free facilities that recycle, reuse or convert to energy all waste from daily operations — more than any other automaker. These efforts help engage the community, reduce environmental impact and generate reuse and recycling revenue. GM developed a blueprint called "The Business Case for Zero Waste" with tips for all companies seeking ways to reduce their waste.  

“Our expertise enables us to reimagine waste and recycle some of it into car parts, facility supplies and even items that benefit the community—from urban garden beds to coats for the homeless,” said John Bradburn, GM waste-reduction manager.

Now in its 26th year, the Edison Awards represent the spirit of innovation personified by inventor Thomas Edison, inspiring America’s drive to remain at the forefront of creativity and ingenuity in the global economy. A panel of 3,000 business executives and academics judged nominees on criteria including concept, value, delivery and impact.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

OnStar, LLC (OnStar) is a wholly owned subsidiary of GM Holdings LLC (“GM”). Along with its affiliate Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd (a joint venture involving OnStar, Shanghai General Motors Co., Ltd (SGM) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)), OnStar serves more than 6.4 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China. OnStar is a provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology and is available on 39 GM branded 2013 model year vehicles. OnStar's key services include automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, remote door unlock, turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle diagnostics and hands-free calling.