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OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown hits the brakes on jacked cars

@ 2007/10/10

Although OnStar has offered Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance to its subscribers since 1996, the firm is getting set to add a snazzy new enhancement for 2009 vehicles. The feature, dubbed Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, can use GPS to pinpoint a vehicle once it has been reported as stolen, and after OnStar confirms with local police that it has the vehicle within sight, it can then be slowed down remotely. The system actually receives a signal that "interacts with the powertrain to reduce engine power, which will [in turn] slow the vehicle down gradually." Interestingly, customers will have the option of opting out of the service if they so choose, but we'd rather be safe (and potentially paranoid) than sorry. (src: Engadget)

Comment from Sidney @ 2007/10/11

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g...ECxHQD8S5H7N80

How local do you want to get?

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en_US...ECxHQD8S5H7N80

Comment from Kougar @ 2007/10/10

This is starting to sound like a regional thing. Do y'all have any links to this, because I haven't heard about it in the US and googling on it resulted in only theoretical ideas. The last blingbling I've seen adertised was only for remote engine/vehicle preset activation.

Comment from Sidney @ 2007/10/10

Similar to LoJack has been available for many years.

Comment from jmke @ 2007/10/10

you can start/stop the car remotely with your cellular

Comment from Kougar @ 2007/10/10

I stand corrected.

Not a heavily advertised feature though, nonetheless...

Comment from jmke @ 2007/10/10

Yes it's in use as an aftermarket solution, you can get it installed in most high class cars (bmw, mercedes, porsche, etc..)

Comment from Kougar @ 2007/10/10

Not to my knowledge, first time I have heard of it. Sounds like a great idea, catch the car and the crooks, with any luck. Or simply keep the vehicle from being stolen in the first place...

Comment from geoffrey @ 2007/10/10

I though that this feature was allready tested and in use for a copple of years now.

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