Carmakers Teaming Up with Navigation Services

Washington DC April 25, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that General Motors' OnStar service is working with MapQuest to let drivers link their desktops with the blacktop.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the expansion of OnStar's in-vehicle navigation system is designed to let subscribers plan their driving route at MapQuest.com and send information about their destination directly to their cars.

Although drivers can already get the directions by calling an OnStar operator, OnStar and MapQuest officials said Web Destination Entry adds convenience. BMW AG recently announced a similar collaboration with Google Inc.'s Google Maps.

The German auto maker said it is launching the service first in Germany, but it plans to spread to all markets that employ its telematic system known as Assist. Ford Motor Co. also has announced a deal with Microsoft Corp. earlier this year to develop the wireless Sync system for future vehicles.

While Sync differs from OnStar in that it links cars with cell phones and personal music players, Ford has said it someday could include laptop computer links, vehicle diagnostics and other services.