OnStar Head Linda Marshall Leaves General Motors
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Suddenly, and quietly, Linda Marshall left General Motors. She was in charge of OnStar, and oversaw the launch of the $300 OnStar FMV system that began selling last year with success. The division also took a lot of heat for a controversial policy change that would have allowed it to collect customer data even after drivers discontinued their OnStar service. The policy was revised soon after its announcement. General Motors is currently seeking a replacement. So if you’re a telecommunications guru with a knack for forward thinking, throw your name in the proverbial hat.
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This job is a guarantee that you will be GM shortly.
Could it be that even after all these years of hyping OnStar, it’s become clear that the business is going nowhere? Yes, I know many people love the service, but I’ve got to believe that after years of recession, many customers aren’t paying for the premium service and that they are comfortable with the near universal use of Bluetooth (by all manufacturers) to connect a personal mobile phone to the car’s audio system.
The rise of Smartphones, free navigation apps, inexpensive aftermarket GPS and in-dash navigation systems available on almost any car have undoubtedly put pressure on OnStar revenue and profits. It is a hard job for any executive to change the current business model and dynamics of in-car telematics systems. It’s also much easier to get a Cadillac or Buick customer to opt for profitable OnStar services than it is for customers of Chevrolet. The volume is in Chevy, not Buick or Cadillac.