Volkswagen to use GM's OnStar telematics service

DETROIT, April 24 Reuters reported that Volkswagen AG said on Wednesday that it will offer General Motors Corp.'s OnStar in-car communications service in its vehicles sold in the United States beginning next year.

The service, to be called ``Volkswagen Telematics by OnStar'', will debut next year as standard equipment on the German automaker's first-ever 8-cylinder vehicle, the Passat W8.

Volkswagen plans to offer the telematics service, which allows drivers to contact an advisor for a variety of service and safety features, across its entire U.S. lineup in the next three to four years, said spokesman Tony Fouladpour.

OnStar currently has over 2 million subscribers, and is available on dozens of GM vehicles. It is also available under a different brand name on select Toyota Motor Corp. Lexus, VW's Audi and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Acura cars.

Next year, Isuzu Motors Ltd. and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.'s Subaru will also offer OnStar on select vehicles.