OnStar's Family Link Keeps Tabs on Teen Drivers

By Jennifer Newman
March 5, 2015
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OnStar’s Family Link pilot program takes waiting out of the equation, allowing OnStar subscribers to check on the progress of a car equipped with the subscription-based communication system.

The Family Link program’s Vehicle Locate allows OnStar subscribers to log on to the Family Link website to view a map with the car’s exact location at any time. Vehicle Location Alert can send an email or text message to let parents know a car’s location. Parents can choose the day, time and frequency of the messages.

The pilot may expand to include speed, boundary and arrival/departure alerts, according to OnStar. About 10,000 OnStar subscribers in the U.S. will be invited to the pilot program. Pricing for the program hasn’t been announced.

The program sounds a lot like Big Brother — make that Big Mother — but parents of teens may appreciate the extra set of eyes on their young ones.
Editor-in-Chief
Jennifer Newman

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Newman is a journalist with more than 25 years of experience, including 15 years as an automotive journalist at Cars.com. Jennifer leads the Editorial team in its mission of helping car shoppers find the vehicle that best fits their life. A mom of two, she’s graduated from kids in car seats to teens behind the steering wheel. She’s also a certified car-seat technician with more than 12 years of experience, as well as member of the World Car Jury, Automotive Press Association and Midwest Automotive Media Association. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennilnewman/ Instagram: @jennilnewman

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