Octo Telematics has partnered with General Motors (GM) to provide fleet management solutions and usage-based insurance (UBI) using ther manufacturer's OnStar technology.

The new services will be available to insurers and fleet providers across Europe, starting in Q2 2016.

Through the new partnership with Octo Telematics, commercial fleets can make decisions relating to vehicle location, odometer, fuel consumption and other maintenance information on their GM connected vehicles.

Fabio Sbianchi, CEO of Octo Telematics, said: “We see the connected car as a positive shift in the industry which is increasingly focused on providing benefits for drivers.

"Our ability to analyse data so that consumers can receive insurance discounts is a great addition to the core OnStar proposition.

“We believe this approach will be beneficial for the driver insurer, and manufacturer.

"Octo’s insurance telematics and fleet services will help maximise loyalty and minimise the churn-rate, while improving policy holder and driver satisfaction."

Jon Hyde, managing director at OnStar Europe, said: “This collaboration provides the basis for rethinking both insurance and fleet services that we’ll offer to our customers.

"Insurance is a 'must have' for insurers and fleet operators and the combination of Octo and OnStar can help drivers improve their safety on the road and achieve insurance discounts through good driving, all helping to lower the cost of motoring.”

 

Insignia now available with Apple CarPlay and OnStar

Vauxhall’s Insignia is now available with IntelliLink Navi 900, which includes Apple CarPlay and the personal connectivity and service assistant, OnStar.

Apple CarPlay enables quick and straightforward integration of Apple smartphones (iPhone 5 and above).

Drivers can access Apple CarPlay maps and news services as soon as connectivity has been established.

Additional apps can be controlled via Siri eyes free voice control or from the Insignia’s eight-inch touchscreen.

Navi 900 IntelliLink is standard on Nav models (Design, SRi, SRi VX-Line and Elite) and on Tech Line.

It is available as a £1,000 option on Energy, Limited Edition and SE. However, the Apple CarPlay feature is also available throughout the range with the optional Touch R700 IntelliLink system, at a cost of £350. 

OnStar is available on Limited Edition, Elite and VXR models. The integrated 4G/LTE architecture turns Vauxhall’s flagship into a mobile wi-fi hotspot.

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