General Motors Corp is expected to introduce the first in-car system that will automatically call for help if a car’s air bag is inflated in an accident and will include an array of other personal communication services: the device, called OnStar, will offer navigational assistance across the US, unlike most such systems available now, which require reprogramming for each locale; other features include the ability to send out an exact location in the event of theft or other emergencies; it works by linking cellular telephones to a communications centre through a satellite; it will first be installed as an option on all 1997 front-drive Cadillacs, but will reach the mass market in the near future, the company said; the cost of the unit is initially forecast to be $1,000 for a voice-activated cellular phone plus a monthly connection charge.
