Oshawa, Ont. Owners of many 2010 and most 2011/2012 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles in Canada will now be able to control key vehicle functions from their smartphones, thanks to OnStar.

 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac are leveraging OnStar technology to deliver the leading mobile application on the market for new vehicle owners. The RemoteLink app allows owners to activate a number of functions securely from their smartphones, such as traditional vehicle key fob functions like remote start, horn and lights and door lock/unlock.

 In addition, RemoteLink leverages OnStar's unique connection to the vehicle to provide key diagnostic information including fuel tank level and range, remaining oil life, current and recommended tire pressure and lifetime average fuel consumption. The diagnostic information is current as of the last vehicle start, giving OnStar subscribers an up-to-date health report of their vehicle anytime they need it.

 Important vehicle information such as odometer reading, vehicle VIN and OnStar account number are also readily accessible within RemoteLink upon secure login. And should OnStar subscribers need assistance with something that the mobile app doesn't provide, they can one-touch dial to specially-trained advisors who are available to assist customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 "RemoteLink reflects our commitment to deliver technology solutions that best fit the needs of today's mobile and connected lifestyle," said Kevin Williams, president and managing director, GM Canada. "Giving our customers smartphone application technology is a key advantage of OnStar's in-vehicle connectivity, empowering customers to make decisions well before they start their drive, meaning full attention can stay where it needs to be ? on the road ahead."

 For example, a customer racing to catch a flight realizes at the gate that he or she forgot to lock their vehicle. OnStar's mobile app technology allows the customer to log into RemoteLink, enter a custom PIN and send a remote lock signal to the vehicle, giving the peace of mind to go on with the trip knowing the vehicle is secure.

 Alternatively, a family attending a hockey game on a cold winter day can remotely start their vehicle as they are leaving the rink, ensuring the vehicle is warm and comfortable by the time they reach it.

 OnStar and Chevrolet announced the auto industry's first mobile app for the Chevrolet Volt at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have subsequently used OnStar technology to expand mobile app availability to many 2010 and most 2011 vehicles, including the Canadian Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Cruze. 2012 model year vehicles will follow, including the Volt mobile application that will be available to customers in conjunction with the launch of the vehicle later this year in Canada. Since its introduction, the app has been downloaded almost 400,000 times in North America and has accumulated more than 3.5 million service interactions

 RemoteLink is currently functional on the iPhone and Android 2.1 or higher systems. Originally launched as part of the MyLink suite of connectivity and infotainment offerings, current OnStar MyLink users will receive an update notification on their smartphone to download the new RemoteLink app. Depending on the user's preferences, the update will be automatic or will require the user to accept it.

OnStar expects to expand compatibility and functionality of the app in the near future.