Toyota's G-Book Alpha competes with GM's OnStar

Toyota Motor Corp’s new satellite-based communications system not only enhances safety applications and delivers real-time information on traffic and road conditions, it also allows occupants to download audio, video and games.

G-Book Alpha, in conjunction  with Toyota's navigation system, lets occupants speak to a live operator, whether the need is emergency related or merely a request for directions. The system can be optimised to automatically contact occupants of a vehicle if an airbag is deployed, via a 24-hour operations centre; if no-one responds, an ambulance would be dispatched to the accident site. The system can also unlock a door if the keys are locked inside a vehicle, or assist authorities in finding a stolen vehicle.

Which is all old hat to OnStar subscribers.

GM plans to make OnStar standard across its entire lineup by 2007.

GM offers OnStar free for a limited period to new vehicle buyers, in the hope that they’ll decide they can’t live without it and sign up for the service.

GM charges its 2-million plus OnStar user base a total of US$200 per year after the initial year of free service runs out. With a target of another million users by 2006, GM would increase its annual OnStar revenues from about US$400 million to US$600 million.

This constant revenue stream is enough to inspire Toyota to start fitting its G-Book Alpha system into a variety of new or significantly updated models this month in its Japanese home market. While Toyota didn't say if the new service would be sold outside of Japan, it only makes sense that it eventually will.

Source - En français

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