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Safe Kids Worldwide and OnStar offer vehicle emergency preparation tips for parents

DETROIT- When it comes to preparing children for emergencies, high-profile situations like fires and medical emergencies around the home are top of mind for many parents. However, for emergencies in the car, young children often do not know what to do.

A recent study by OnStar and Kelton Research found that less than half of parents are sure that their children would know at least one measure to take in the event of a car crash (46 percent) or a medical emergency in or around a vehicle (47 percent). Comparatively, 72 percent of parents expect their kids would know what to do if there was a fire in the home.

"Parents know how important it is to teach kids about safety in the home, but think how much time kids spend in cars. A few simple precautions can make a big difference," said Kate Carr, President and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide.

In addition to a number of educational programs that Safe Kids Coalitions offer around the country, OnStar and Safe Kids are providing parents some tips to help prepare children for an emergency that might take place in or around the vehicle.

·    Car Seats: Safe Kids recommends keeping kids in rear-facing car seats as long as possible, as it is the safest way for children to travel. Children more than two years old can sit in forward-facing car seats or in rear-facing convertible seats as long as the child hasn't reached the maximum car seat weight or height. Many forward-facing seats can help protect kids from 50 to 85 pounds. Booster seats protect kids up to 100 pounds. Always make sure the car seat is properly secured according to manufacturers' instructions.

·    Airbags:  Remember that children who are up against or very close to any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat.  It is also better to put a forward-facing child restraint in the rear seat as well.  Check the owner's manual to see where the airbags are located in your vehicle.

·    Safety Belts: For children who outgrow their booster seats, proper safety belt technique is critical. Show your child how to properly put on and take off a safety belt on their own. Make sure they know that the shoulder belt should always be worn in front of their chest, centered on the shoulder, and the lap belt should be low on the hips, contacting the thighs, not the stomach.

Take Safe Kids' safety belt fit test, to be sure your child is ready to advance to the safety belt.

·    Educate about OnStar: If your vehicle has OnStar, you should make sure your young passengers are educated about its capabilities. In the event of a moderate-to-severe crash, OnStar will automatically connect to a trained advisor who will ask if everyone's OK and can send emergency help to the location of the vehicle. It's important that children know they can trust this OnStar voice and that they should answer any questions the advisor may ask and follow directions given. 

It's also crucial for kids to understand how to use OnStar in a non-crash-related emergency. Inform them that the red emergency button on the rearview mirror is just like dialing 9-1-1. If the driver is in trouble and cannot press the button for some reason, kids should know that this is a fast and easy way to call for help. However, you should tell them to never play with the buttons.

·    Sitting Properly: You can teach your child how to sit properly in a seat to help avoid injury:

    Sit with shoulders against the back of the seat.
    Position the head rest to protect the head.
    Keep your head away from the door panel or window as that could cause injury.
    Keep your legs in front of you, not to the side.
    Stow all belongings so they do not injure passengers in a crash.

·    Car Keys: Never leave children alone in a vehicle with the car keys. Children could operate the power windows or other vehicle controls that can be dangerous.  Children can be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window.  Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children and never leave a child alone in a vehicle.  Lock all doors after leaving an empty vehicle.

GM Foundation has supported Safe Kids for the past 16 years, beginning with the Safe Kids Buckle Up program.

Safe Kids conducts programs for kids and families around the country that teach safety messages, including how to use OnStar, common vehicle myths, tips and more. A Cub Scout program is geared for kids ages 7-10; the Safest Generation program is tailored for kids ages 11-12 and the Countdown2Drive programs reaches older kids and young teens. Visit www.safekids.org to find a program near you.


About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. With more than 6 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China, OnStar is currently available on more than 45 MY 2012 GM models, as well as available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road with OnStar FMV. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

About Safe Kids Worldwide
Safe Kids Worldwide is a global network of organizations dedicated to providing parents and caregivers with practical and proven resources to protect kids from unintentional injuries, the number one cause of death to children in the United States. Throughout the world, almost one million children die of an injury each year, and every one of these tragedies is preventable. Safe Kids works with an extensive network of more than 600 coalitions in the U.S. and in 22 countries to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more. Since 1988, Safe Kids has helped reduce the U.S. childhood death rate from unintentional injury by 53 percent. Working together, we can do much more for kids everywhere. Join our effort at safekids.org.

DETROIT ? Chevrolet is America's favorite performance brand, with Camaro and Corvette accounting for one out of every three sports cars sold in the United States in 2011.

Chevrolet accounted for 37 percent of the sports-car segment last year, selling 88,249 Camaros, which surpassed its nearest competitor, the Ford Mustang, by more than 18,000 units. That lead is expected to increase when the new Camaro ZL1 goes on sale this month.

Chevrolet accounted for 28 percent of the luxury-sports-car segment in 2011, selling 13,164 Corvettes. Currently the only domestic car in the segment, Corvette more than doubled the sales of its nearest competitor, the Porsche 911. 
 

Top 5 Sports Cars by 2011 Total Sales and Market Share					Top 5 Luxury Sports Cars by 2011 Total Sales and Market Share
1.	Chevrolet Camaro	88,249	37%		1.	Chevrolet Corvette	13,164	28%
2.	Ford Mustang	70,438	29%		2.	Porsche 911	6,016	13%
3.	Dodge Challenger	39,534	16%		3.	BMW 6-Series	3,903	8%
4.	Honda CR-Z	11,330	5%		4.	BMW Z4	3,479	7%
5.	Hyundai Veloster	9,284	4%		5.	Mercedes  SLK	3,220	7%

"With the addition of the Camaro ZL1, there are only a handful of brands in the world with two cars that can match the performance, technology, and excitement of Corvette and Camaro," said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. "Unlike many competitors' performance cars, the Corvette ZR1 and Camaro ZL1 are appropriate for both daily drivers and track use from the factory ? with standard coolers for brakes and drivetrain."

"And we challenge any company to bring two cars to compete with the Corvette ZR1 and Camaro ZL1, dollar for dollar," Reuss said. "They will discover what enthusiasts already know ? that Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are the world's best performance cars for the money."

To demonstrate the capabilities of the Corvette and Camaro, Chevrolet recently tested full-production models with no performance modifications on the "Grand Course" at Virginia International Raceway. The Grand Course configuration is a challenge for production cars because it requires prodigious power, precise handling and tenacious grip to record a fast lap.

In a 2012 Corvette ZR1, equipped with new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, Corvette engineer Jim Mero lapped the Grand Course in 2:45.6 ? faster than the published lap time for any production car.

In a 2012 Camaro ZL1, Camaro engineer Aaron Link lapped the Grand Course in 2:52.4 ? more than six seconds faster than the published lap time of a 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 on the same track.

Car and Driver Magazine, which conducts the annual Lightning Lap shootout at Virginia International Raceway, called the track "the nearest thing to the Nurburgring's fabled Nordschleife."

"The Grand Course at VIR is an excellent test of all-around vehicle performance," said

Reuss.  "Like the Nurburgring, a single lap at VIR tests every aspect of a car, including power, brakes, steering, tire grip and chassis balance.  To break a three-minute lap on the four-mile Grand Course is an incredible accomplishment for any car."

The Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful vehicle Chevrolet has ever produced, with a supercharged, 6.2L, LS9 V-8 delivering 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque. Of all mass-production companies, Chevrolet is the leader in carbon fiber use, with the lightweight material used for structural components on the ZR1 including the front fenders, hood, roof, front splitter, rocker panels and floor pans. With a curb weight of 3,353 pounds, the ZR1 features a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.2 pounds per horsepower. As a result, the ZR1 is also the fastest Chevrolet ever produced, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 205 mph. The Corvette ZR1 starts at $112,575, including destination.

The Camaro ZL1 is the most-powerful Camaro ever produced, with a supercharged, 6.2L, LSA V-8 delivering 580-horsepower, and 556 pound-feet of torque. It is also the most-sophisticated Camaro ever, with exclusive performance technologies including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride suspension. Other standard performance features include six-piston Brembo brakes, and coolers for the rear differential, brakes, and transmission. As a result, the ZL1 is also the most-capable Camaro ever, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 184 mph, and lapping the famed Nurburgring in just 7:41.27. The Camaro ZL1 starts at $54,995, including destination.

Both Corvette and Camaro have also recently been recognized by IntelliChoice as the best overall value in their segments ? further evidence that consumers get more performance for their money from Chevrolet.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

LAS VEGAS ? Anyone who has pressed the OnStar button and spoken to someone on the other end knows how helpful these advisors can be, but the hardware behind the button is what makes the connection possible.

For the second consecutive year, OnStar was awarded a Stevie Award, this time for "Best Use of Technology in Customer Service." OnStar won a Stevie in 2011 for Customer Service Department of the Year in Telecommunications.

OnStar has significantly enhanced the customer's experience in the last year. OnStar For My Vehicle (FMV) was introduced last July, enabling 100 million other drivers to add OnStar service though an aftermarket rearview mirror.

OnStar also expanded the way drivers can get directions, by adding the option to send a destination from their smartphone to their vehicle using the OnStar RemoteLink App. Also, OnStar Emergency Advisors began receiving Emergency Medical Dispatch training, so they can provide critical medical advice to victims while they wait for help to arrive on scene.

More than 3 million calls are received by OnStar advisors every month. The most popular service requests are for:

• Turn-by-Turn Navigation: more than 2 million requests per month
• Remote Door Unlocks: nearly 60,000 requests per month
• On-demand Vehicle Diagnostic updates: about 55,700 requests per month

Additionally, OnStar also sends more than 4 million Vehicle Diagnostic emails to customers every month.

Subscriber Samantha Carroll recently relied on OnStar's navigation to help her in an emergency. Her 4-year-old son had just fallen and received a deep gash in his forehead which required stitches immediately.

"Since this was the first emergency I ever had with my son, I was a nervous wreck," said Carroll. "I had no clue how to get to the ER. So thank God, I was able to get in the car and I was able to have [OnStar] download the directions for me as I was already on the road. I was so flustered that I doubt I would have had time or been able to log on to my computer and look up directions.

"It's nice to talk to someone, in case you're confused, lost or in an emergency," she said. "I think I will always be a subscriber."

About OnStar

OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. With more than 6 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China, OnStar is currently available on more than 45 MY 2012 GM models, as well as available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road with OnStar FMV. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

DETROIT - Chevy WiFi powered by Autonet Mobile delivers high-speed Internet service to the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, transforming it into an on-demand mobile office for small-business owners, contractors and travelers.

Autonet is a dealer-installed system that provides full Internet access for multiple users inside and within a 150-foot radius of the truck, using a laptop, smartphone or other WiFi-enabled device. The suggested retail price is $399.

"We know business doesn't stop when people are out of the office," said Dan Tigges, product manager, full-size trucks and utility vehicles. "Autonet allows them to enhance productivity by seamlessly and conveniently continue doing business at the jobsite."

Chevy WiFi provides workers with the access and ability to immediately connect with colleagues and customers online. For example, it can be used at a jobsite to access municipal Web sites for permit and building code information, as well as complete administrative tasks such as printing invoices from the vehicle. Additionally, by using WiFi on laptop computers, Web layouts and images are larger and more readable than they are on a hand-held device.

"We are committed to helping customers improve their businesses," says Chris Rauser, Chevrolet Accessories manager. "By adding WiFi and mobile office capability, the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is packed with technology that provides the means for more effective, compromise-free work off site."

Chevy WiFi requires no special hardware, can support several devices at once and is designed to provide uninterrupted Internet and video streaming. Passengers may use it while the vehicle is in motion and drivers may use it when parked. Autonet Mobile provides the router, which runs over 3G and 2.5G cellular data networks, as well as the monthly service.

A variety of apps are available for purchase.  Find My Car tracks the location of your Silverado so you know where it is at all times. With a Geo Fence, you can define multiple virtual geographical areas to ensure vehicles follow approved routes. If a designated boundary is crossed, a notification with a time, date and location stamp will be sent to you.  Content Filtering allows you to block users from accessing objectionable content over the Chevy WiFi powered by Autonet connection. Content is blocked by both URL and by the actual content on each page making the Web a cleaner, safer, place for you and your children.

Chevy WiFi can be purchased and installed at Chevrolet dealerships. To learn more about the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, visit media.gm.com. For timely responses to fleet-related questions, join the GM Fleet and Commercial Customer Service LinkedIn group.

DEROIT - OnStar is announcing a navigation enhancement to its RemoteLink mobile app that allows a subscriber the ability to search for a destination on his smartphone and send it directly to his vehicle where the route can be accessed audibly through OnStar Turn-by-Turn or via an in-dash navigation system.

Available for all current OnStar RemoteLink-enabled vehicles, users can type in a destination, select an address from their contact list or speak the destination using a voice search feature. The enhancement will also allow users to store the last five destinations sent to their vehicle.

Once a destination has been selected, the user can send the route directly to his or her vehicle. The route will be available and activated once the vehicle is started.

"Our customer focus is simple connectivity and a seamless user experience," said Steve Schwinke, OnStar director Advanced System Design. "RemoteLink's navigation enhancement offers our customers another choice in how they get directions, whether they're in their car, on their computer, or using their compatible smartphone."

The RemoteLink navigation enhancement will be available in the Android and iPhone marketplace on Aug. 30. Current users of the app will receive an update notification on their Smartphone. New users who download the application will receive the updated version.

"We know that 95 percent of smartphone users have looked for local information using their phone and 88 percent of them act on the information they find," said Schwinke. "Whether they need to call or visit a local business, RemoteLink navigation offers a simple and easy solution."

OnStar and Chevrolet announced the auto industry's first mobile app for the Chevrolet Volt at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. Since then, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have used OnStar technology to launch mobile apps for many 2010 and most 2011 vehicles with 2012 model year vehicles to follow.

RemoteLink leverages OnStar's unique connection to the vehicle, providing drivers with up-to-date vehicle information such as oil level, tire pressure, fuel level and lifetime miles per gallon. The app has been downloaded more than 450,000 times in North America and has accumulated more than 4.5 million service interactions.

To learn more about the navigation enhancements to the Remote Link app, join Brandon Linton, program manager, Remote Link Navigation, for a webchat at 3 p.m. EDT, today, Aug. 29. To join the chat, login at http://media.gm.com/coveritlive