North American drivers (and passengers) have had the pleasure of using OnStar service for the last decade (if not more). But in China, OnStar first became available in December 2009 and – after being on the market for only two months – now has 1,000 subscribers.

Currently, OnStar in China is available in the Buick Enclave and Cadillac SLS (stretched STS). It will be rolled out in select 2011 Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac models in China later this year. The 1000th customer in China added the service to his new Buick Enclave and is “honored to help Shanghai OnStar reach a new milestone.”

Having reached 1000 subscribers in China is a major milestone for GM, helping The General expand its global reach. GM, along with Buick, has acquired a very admirable reputation in the People’s Republic. This is especially true of Buick, which has seen tremendous success as an upscale marque. This success can provide a framework for improving growth and public perception for the brand in the United States.

Here at GM Authority, we’re of the opinion that OnStar is one of GM’s greatest innovations. It has tremendous utility and noteworthy information-gathering ability that can be applied to future product development. And the upcoming smartphone integration is simply amazing. That said, it still has room to grow and improve – similar to growth opportunities for the Buick brand in the United States.

Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd. was established in 2007 as a joint venture between General Motors’ OnStar, SAIC’s Shanghai Automotive Industry Sales Co. Ltd., and Shanghai GM.