If the driver of a General Motors car equipped with its OnStar system locks his key in the car, for example, an emergency centre can transmit a digital signal to unlock the doors.

ECONOMIST: Wired cars

General Motors could build a powerful wireless data network with its OnStar satellite system, but it says OnStar will remain ISP-neutral for now.

FORBES: Free For All

's OnStar telematics system and Ford Motor Co.

WSJ: Auto Insurance Enters the 'Pay-per-View' Era

One example: In 2005 OnStar detected and fixed a problem in the electronic ventilation system in GM's 2006 full-size SUVs.

FORBES: Magazine Article

From September its OnStar service, which provides navigation and emergency services to drivers, will include a system called Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.

ECONOMIST: Monitor

When OnStar debuted in 1996, it pioneered in-vehicle connectivity with the auto industry's first embedded telematics system.

ENGADGET: Chevrolet launches MyLink smartphone integration for 2012 Volt and Equinox