Toyota Finally Rolls Out Its OnStar Answer

It has taken years to develop, but the Toyota Motor Corporation finally has an answer to GM's OnStar navigation and emergency assistance system. Dual branded as Lexus EnForm and Safety Connect, the telematics system will be made available for select Lexus and Toyota models over the coming year.

When General Motors launched OnStar in the 1990s, they got a head start on the competition, giving the automaker an important marketing and technological edge. With more than five million North American subscribers, OnStar has made a big difference in the lives of drivers by providing navigation assistance, emergency help and a number of other features.

Now, Toyota is responding with their own telematics system, one that they are marketing as Lexus EnForm and Safety Connect. Available on select Lexus and Toyota models, the dual branded system will offer automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assistance button and roadside assistance.

The Lexus EnForm competent will take everything a step further offering destination assistance, a flexible voice interface, XM radio options and more. Just the sort of automotive technology consumers want.

“We are proud to introduce these services and advance our relationships with our customers by providing them the features they need to feel safer and more secure while on the road,” said Jon Bucci, TMS vice president, Advanced Technology Department. “Our primary focus while developing our services was on three key traits: choice, convenience and control. We feel that our new telematics offerings deliver on these attributes, hitting the mark for what our customers have shown us they will be looking for in their next vehicle purchase.”

Safety Connect and Lexus EnForm will be made available on select models beginning late summer 2009. A one year trial subscription with new vehicle purchases before an optional paid subscription plan kicks in.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, as Toyota says more details will be furnished closer to product roll out.

Despite the delay, Toyota believes that they have the right product for today, something customers will wholeheartedly embrace:

“Prior to entering the U.S. market full force, Toyota practiced a deliberate approach to product development based on our experience in Japan, in-depth research and relentless product testing in order to both deliver to customers’ expectations and produce systems befitting the Toyota name,” said Bucci. “Safety Connect and Lexus Enform are the results of several years of due diligence and dedicated teams working in partnership with our highly experienced providers.”

Source: Toyota Motors Sales, USA, Inc.