GM in talks to offer OnStar to other carmakers

Telematics services are expanding even as the global car market contracts, with Toyota/Lexus the latest to join the arena with its recently-announced Enform system. Now General Motors' OnStar system is looking to expand by partering with other carmakers, according to the latest reports.

Talks between GM and 'several automakers' are currently underway, reports Automotive News, in pursuit of deals to share the OnStar service in the U.S., Canada and potentially other parts of the world as well.

The decision to get back into the business of re-selling OnStar services overturns GM's previous end to relationships with Acura, Volkswagen, Audi, Subaru and Isuzu. Those deals were in part terminated due to a switch-over from analog to digital equipment in the OnStar system, but GM says the decision to end third-party service was mutual.

OnStar hopes that the new tie-ups will help boost sales of service subscriptions, which are down commensurate with auto sales in 2008. "It's a new range of customers for us and a new opportunity for dealers to participate," said OnStar president Chet Huber.