You may be well aware that the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (not to be confused with OnStar MyLink RemoteLink) was initially announced in February 2011 and was to become “available beginning with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt and Equinox this fall before expanding to other vehicles in the Chevy lineup over the next 18 months” (from GM’s official press release). So why is it that we’ve received an extraordinary amount of emails and comments on the blog and the forum claiming this is not the case?
Well, as 2012 Equinoxes and Volts began to arrive at dealerships across the country in the summer of 2011, people began purchasing them, fully expectating that they were buying a vehicle equipped with MyLink. As they took the cars home with them, the new owners discovered certain missing features in the infotainment systems of their new rides, including the ability to use Bluetooth Audio Streaming (A2DP) as well as the Pandora and Stitcher apps. It wasn’t that the features didn’t work… instead, they seemed to have been left out of the system altogether. That’s when the comments and questions really started pouring in to GM Authority. And they poured in heavy.
After contacting GM’s communications team, GM Authority was told that the 2012 Volts and Equinoxes currently in production do not include MyLink. Furthermore, we learned that a software update will not be available for these units — since they use entirely different hardware than the forthcoming MyLink units. According to GM, MyLink will officially begin shipping sometime in December on the Equinox and in February (of 2012) on the Volt.
The GM Authority Take
What we have here is a number of buyers who thought that they were getting MyLink when purchasing a 2012 Equinox or Volt, but actually weren’t. And it’s easy to see why: for starters, both MyLink as well as the units currently shipping in 1LT and higher trim levels have large color touchscreens — making their external appearance synonymous. What’s more, GM’s official announcement clearly stated that MyLink would be available on the 2012 Equinox and Volt “this fall”. And the fact that several GM Authority readers were told by dealers that the 2012 Equinoxes were equipped with MyLink didn’t help matters one bit.
At the end of the day, there’s a right way to treat customers — and there’s a wrong way. We hope that GM will take care of those buyers who were mislead into purchasing a 2012 Equinox or Volt due to incorrect information. How these customers will be taken care of, however, is anyone’s guess at this time.
What do you think GM should do here?
Comments
That’s kinda not treating their customers the right way imo. Or not unless they can ask their customers if they want to have mylink on their vehicle so it’s kinda like if they do, then just switch the whole system to mylink.. but that’s just me
This exact thing happened to me on my Volt order. Told them to wait for MyLink to be available but they ordered thinking it was the Onstar Remote Link. Didn’t take the car and went 180 degrees and got a Regal Turbo. Based on sales numbers, even using predicted, the tax credit should still be available in three years when my lease is up and i’ll just benefit from improvement during this time.
I was very close to buying an Equinox in October, but the build tool on GMs website specifically metioned only a 7″ colour touchscreen, no mention of Mylink, A2DP, etc. This raised a red flag, and upon further research and testing I found that the systems were indeed not the mylink system I was waiting for. So in my opinion, anyone who was specifically waiting for Mylink should’ve done their homework and questioned whether or not they were indeed getting mylink. Of course it’s not cool of GM to not have had it ready right for the start of the 12 model year, but at the end of the day, a responsible car buyer needs to check into these things before they buy a vehicle.
I feel that they should switch out the systems for misleading customers since Feb. My question is, I ordered a vehicle that is supposed to be going into production in Dec. and being delivered in either Jan. or Feb. From your sources are vehicles being assembled in Dec. and delivered in Jan/Feb going to have the MyLInk. From what I read I could either be right on the bubble of either getting MYLink or not getting it. Hoping for getting MYLink.
All we know — directly from GM — is that MyLink-equipped Equinoxes will begin production in December. You can always decline your order if yours doesn’t ship with it, but there needs to be (needed to have been?) better communication about this to customers on GM’s part.
Unless a Customer asks if the car has mylink, then I see no reason for the salesperson to say “Oh, btw, this doesn’t have this this this and this.” Its the customers responsibility to make sure they are getting what they want. Yes, the customer is always right, except when they aren’t. Salespersons will focus on what the customer is getting, not what its not getting. Not many Toyota Sales people will say “Yeah, its just like a cruze, but louder, cheaper built quality, and not as good of gas mileage, just to warn you of what you aren’t getting since I’m sure you have neglected to put effort into purchasing your vehicle.” If the customer asks “Can i listen to pandora through bluetooth?” then the sales person should explain how the radio works. (btw, it can be done in some current Chevys, even without MyLink) If a customer says “I am really excited to use the MyLink features” then the sales person should tell them that its not equipped, but of course offer work arounds (equinox can still listen to pandora, youtube, and music app on an iPhone when hooked up through USB).
If they are mislead by the dealership, then they should take that up with the dealership.
If they depreciate the equinox 6,000 dollars, put 10,000 miles on it, and then see this post, see another owner complain about not having it, or see another one down the road with the features, and decide its something they want, then thats ridiculous to assume that GM is in anyway liable to fix that problem.
Electronics are constantly changing. Imagine buying an iPhone 4 today from apple, 3 weeks later deciding that you want Siri, and asking apple to solve your problem because a) you were ignorant when you bought the phone and thought the 4 also had it, b) you heard about Siri after you bought the phone, or c) you, at no fault of apple, thought that your phone could be retrofitted with Siri.
Technically, you’re right. However, this does not negative the fact that communication has been outright nonexistent from GM about the fact that 2012 model year Equinoxes and Volts are actually NOT shipping with MyLink — which is in direct contradiction to the press release cited in the article.
There should have been some kind of information to the customer about the delay that’s currently in effect.
Furthermore… “If they are mislead by the dealership, then they should take that up with the dealership.”
No. It’s GM’s problem at this point, not that of the customer or the dealer. If customers are being misinformed by GM’s authorized sales outlets, GM needs to know about it. In the customer’s eyes, the dealer is GM, even though they’re technically a separate organization.
“After contacting GM’s communications team, GM Authority was told that the 2012 Volts and Equinoxes currently in production do not include MyLink.”
Actually you found out from me that they dont have Mylink, THEN GM…Just saying
No, we were provided incorrect information by a GM Media team member before coming into contact with you. But that’s not to say that we don’t appreciate your input 🙂
I’ve wonder why it can’t upgrade the software?
It’s not about the software. The hardware, according to GM, is “totally different.”
So I was just wondering when will the buicks be available with mylink?
Later on in the 2012 model year. It will be labelled IntelliLink for Buick and GMC. Here’s our first take of it in the 2012 LaCrosse eAssist:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2011/07/first-drive-2012-buick-lacrosse-eassist/
So kinda like about next year or so?
Yeah, it will be a rolling update.
The way i read it, it says that the first vehicles to get it will be the 2012 equinox and volt, I do not read it saying that the first 2012 equinoxes will have it. Nor does it say that it will be standard on the 2012’s. As far as fall does, i dont really see that as being mis leading, as no specific date was given. this is hardly the first time a company has missed a launch date. If MyLink was such a big buy decision, they would have looked at it during the test drive. As far as dealers lying being GMs problem, yes, its not theur fault, but its their problem. Thats why they have the CSI. If something like that happened to a customer, i am certain that they would not check the completely satisfied box, and that is something that is followed closely by GM and dealerships.
If the dealers promised MyLink then they should swap out the hardware once it’s available so they can all at least be upgraded in the future.
MyLink should have been equipped years ago across the whole line, these are not impressive at all. The whole thing looks like it belonged in a new car in 2008, not 2012. They would be better off just carving out those terrible little screens and putting a spot to dock an iPad and run some good apps through the iPad to do everything. The Cadillac version looked better – especially the customizable dash, but it was CGI in the video and I doubt it will work that seamlessly/well in the real world.
They also need to be standard, across all trim levels. I recently drove a Cruze that didn’t have a navigation screen – the cars just look like pieces of crap when they have the huge plastic bezel around a 4 inch, garbage screen. There are way better screens that are not expensive, get better and bigger ones and make them standard. These low quality interiors drag down the brand.
Until I see something like the Tesla Model S 17 inch touch screen (like having two iPads), then I will continue to yawn when I look at the demo videos of these systems.
While I agree that carmakers need to move away from monochrome screens in general, I would argue that a screen doesn’t result in a low quality interior, as per “These low quality interiors drag down the brand.”
Other than that, we should also keep in mind that the Model S will start at $57,000 and most models will be sold for around $70,000 — so a huge color touchscreen is a pre-requisite for that much. Meanwhile, the Cruze starts at $16,500. Need I say more?
The red flag and buyer beware sentiments expressed here are BS.
First there was the public anouncements by the vice-president of Chevy Marketing here and also on video with Chey’s lead engineer:
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_GM.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Feb/0217_engadget
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/5984759/new_technology_creates_smart_phones_on_wheels/
Then there were all the reports in the automotive media that extolled myLink on the fall 2012 Equinox to the point of showing a road test with one installed this summer.
Finally, in my case, there were two dealerships where the salespersons told me that myLink came standard with the color touchscreen. There was nothing on my build order (ordered from factory with AWD) that indicated otherwise.
When delivered Pandora did work but not in the seamless fashion of myLink — I can play Pandora on the iPhone, plug in the USB connection and drive away with Pandora clearly playing with song info and album art on the color screen radio. But, I belatedly discovered I couldn’t change sources easily between the iPod and Pandora Apps without disconnecting the iPhone, that there is no Pandora Icon and generally iPhone interconnectedness is pretty erratic in connecting calls to lists etc. In other words enough for a customer to be fooled at first into thinking one had a version of myLink even if he tests a 2012 model with an iPhone.
My recent followup call to the Chevy 800 number customer service rep showed she was completely confused and unknowledgeable. This foul up in the over-promised and under-delivered myLink is Chevy’s fault. In the software industry they call it vaporware, a product that is not delivered despite the media hype. Just wish Chevy would pay a similar loss of business for such lousy delivery on a product.
Chevy should at least pay the cost of swapping out radios for any customer who expressly bought an 2012 Equinox for myLink. In my case it was the critical decision for buying the new SUV. I could have waited a couple of months if they had been upfront in communicating with their dealerships rather then sweeping this foul up under the rug. Not a way to treat new Chevy customers.
Ok, here we go again…lots of people pointing fingers, but not a lot showing much common sense. In just a few short years, we went from no radio at all to am then fm then 8 track, cassette, now cd, even DVD, SiriusXM, MP3’s…Just because a Chevy vehicle has a “color touch screen” does NOT mean, nor even imply that it has My Link and will run any of the apps.
In over 4 years in the business, I’ve never, NEVER sold any vehicle on just the entertainment system, period. Like Levi said earlier, just because the company announced that the My Link will appear in the ’12 model year, it never claimed it to be standard nor even available at the beginning of the year. No one seems to say much of anything about “interim availability” on a certain color or option or even engine, why on earth is this such a huge issue?
Plain in simple, in 2006 when GM said they were going to make an electric vehicle, the world thought they were nuts, said they couldn’t do it…but GM was smart-they never said what day it would be released, just that it was going to happen…I see the My Link situation in the same light…The US will have a presidential election noext November. Doesn’t say who the person will be, just that the event is going to happen. Wierd analogy but hopefully you get the meaning. My Link will eventually be available,period. If that’s the only reason you’re buying or leasing the vehicle is because it has My Link, number 1, you should maybe re-think your priorities, and number 2, keep your hand on the wheel and eyes on the road, and listen to the regular radio.
You’re personalizing your sales expertise to the general population… not a sound practice.
Let’s see here:
“In just a few short years, we went from no radio at all to am then fm then 8 track, cassette, now cd, even DVD, SiriusXM, MP3′s…Just because a Chevy vehicle has a “color touch screen” does NOT mean, nor even imply that it has My Link and will run any of the apps.”
– How is this relevant? Should we be thankful for not having an 8-track in our cars? I’m thankful for that and am an avid fan of the progress of technology. But it still doesn’t change the fact that GM has done a terrible job in communicating the MyLink rollout to customers.
“In over 4 years in the business, I’ve never, NEVER sold any vehicle on just the entertainment system, period.”
– I’m betting that this will change in the next four years. Heck, in the last four years, there really hasn’t been a decent infotainment system from any manufacturer, let alone GM. And again, just because you haven’t sold any vehicle on the merits of its infotainment system, doesn’t mean you won’t.
It can also mean that customers factor the quality/availability of the infotainment system in the (very complex) overall purchase decision — something they may not even tell you about.
” just because the company announced that the My Link will appear in the ’12 model year, it never claimed it to be standard nor even available at the beginning of the year. No one seems to say much of anything about “interim availability” on a certain color or option or even engine, why on earth is this such a huge issue?”
– Because people made real-world buying decisions based on false information! Take a look at Chevy.com/Equinox and scroll down to the “Technology” section. Or better yet, take a look at this screen shot:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Chevy-Equinox-MyLink-Availability.jpg
Does that not scream misleading to you?
According to a study from Edmunds, consumers spend an average of 30.4 hours researching a vehicle online before taking any kind of sales/buying related actions. One of the places they look is on the manufacturer’s website. How is a blatant inaccuracy on the official Chevy website not a “huge issue” when a potential buyer is doing research?
“My Link will eventually be available,period. If that’s the only reason you’re buying or leasing the vehicle is because it has My Link, number 1, you should maybe re-think your priorities, and number 2, keep your hand on the wheel and eyes on the road, and listen to the regular radio.”
– You’re totally off here.
Imagine this scenario: John Customer is considering a midsized CUV. He has narrowed it down to the Ford Edge and the Chevy Equinox. He reads on the OFFICIAL CHEVROLET WEBSITE that MyLink is available “this fall” — as in September/October 2011 — which for him puts the Equinox on the same level as the Edge and its MyFord Touch system.
It’s none of your business — and neither is it mine — what priorities John places in his quest for the CUV. For all we know, the infotainment system could be the differentiating factor in buying the Ford over the Chevy, or vice-versa.
Here’s a fact: as vehicles become extensions of our tech-centric lives (reality), infotainment systems will factor more into the purchase decisions of customers. From the sound of it, you sell cars; your job is to sell vehicles — not to make design/technology decisions for GM or purchase decisions for the customer. A sales person’s number one priority is to make the deal happen; it doesn’t matter if the customer wants to bling out his new Equinox with a pink paint scheme and flashing neon lights under his 30-inch spinners!
You’re getting too much involved in the “why would someone want this” — and that’s not healthy; nor is it your job.
“… keep your hand on the wheel and eyes on the road, and listen to the regular radio.”
– You’re missing the entire point of these systems. They have very useful and powerful voice recognition capabilities — allowing you to focus on driving and keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel!
Are you really going to tell a customer, “Hey, you know, you should really rethink your priorities when buying this car”?
I think we both know that the moment you do that, he will stand up, refuse to talk to your manager, walk out, and buy from your competition across town — just to spite you.
In the end, Chevy is continuing to do a very poor in communicating MyLink-related information to customers. The Equinox micro site, clearly containing outdated info, still reads that MyLink is available starting this Fall. We’re talking facts here — not opinions!
well said!
Thanks Vic.
I should also mention that Model S buyers will — for the most part — be more “technologically progressive” than your average Cruze driver — hence the added emphasis on the high tech infotainment unit in the Tesla. In other words, the Model S customer will see value and truly appreciate the huge color screen. A Cruze customer, meanwhile, may (more often than not) simply be looking for basic transportation and couldn’t care less about the screen.
However, for the select few Cruze shoppers who want more from their infotainment unit (like myself), Chevy makes MyLink available for the 2012 model year. It’s an option, striking the perfect balance of “basic transportation” (with the monochrome unit) and high-tech cabin (with MyLink). Pay for what you want, nothing you don’t.
Lets not forget that not only Ford and GM are doing the touchscreen, Chrysler are also doing it too! But it’s an 8 inch as an option. (not sure if it is)
Bravo, Alex! That sales guy is way off base in his thinking.
if gm said the 2012 come whit my link and change idea but never told the dealer gm fix this problem ……..
wow i just check on the web black on white 2012 equinox whit my link,,what a fuck up gm just did,,,,fix the problem before you doing the front page again…
word!
I agree with Alex that there should be better communication about this stuff with customers on GM’s part. But one simple question at a dealer showroom ( or with an email, phone whatever ): Is the Eqinox equipped with Mylink? If it`s so cruicial to have one…
To Michael and others of the “no big deal” mindset
You just don’t get it. For me this was more than infotainment. Pandora and my iPod actually plays well with album artwork displayed on my color touch screen.
What Chevy does not deliver on is the interface or link. I can not switch between Pandora and iPod apps on the road without fiddling elaborately with my iPhone, let alone with the convenience of the touchscreen (can’t use it) or the voice selected choice of artist as eventually promised using Nuance in myLink.
To me and other drivers who enjoy portable music on the road this is as important as the invention of the automatic transmission for safety and convenience. Fiddling with smartphone players is more dangerous than texting. Knowing this fact would you as a dealer then promise an customer an automatic transmission and deliver a manual.
The first car manufacturers, who create Siri like voice activated intelligent interface with their car will have one large advantage in sales. Chevy knows they could do this with myLink. It is probably why they promised what they unfortunately could not deliver on time.
Even then I would not be so mad at them if it they had at least had the mylink radio hardware installed on day one of the 2012 model year. Chevy has provided for mylink downloads and radio software upgrades via the internet and the radio’s USB port. Software upgrades are a fix that a technically savvy person like myself or dealer can easily do.
Chevy execs should dismiss the mangers and manufacturers who could not deliver the hardware on time and should deliver the radios as requested by dealers in a recall installation. Fortunately my Superior Chevrolet dealer has offered to pay hardware installation, but only if Chevy delivers on the radio.
I am one of the customers who was lied to by the dealership and GM. I was told it would be an easy software upgrade that would come in DEC. Well, we know this is not he case.
Even on Chevy’s site, under equinoxes it says: Available this Fall, stay connected while on the go with the all–new, Chevrolet MyLink Touch5. MyLink Touch uses your Bluetooth®–paired smartphone to stream Pandora® and Stitcher6 through the system while Gracenote® populates music metadata such as artist, song title – even album art.
Last I checked Fall is September – December. This is a bait and switch setup, no question.
I hit a deer and had to buy a new car. Was choosing between Ford Edge and Equinox. Read the brochures, went on web, viewed YouTube videos. Test drove both. Everything I read made it clear that 2012 Equinox had MyLink, so it was a fair compare with Sync. Dealer worked a great deal so went with Equinox.
So I am not happy to learn that not only do I not have MyLink but I cannot get it. And for some folks here to blame folks like me for not knowing that I shouldn’t believe the press releases or videos that GM put out is ridiculous. And yes, my finding this a deal breaker is reasonable. Wanting the vehicle I’m buying to be the best it can be isn’t unreasonable.
So I’m appreciative of this web site for getting this situation clarified and hoping that GM will respond reasonably on this.
i Find it absolutely ridiculous that you were this un-through through out the demo drive, the needs assessment, and the orientation of the vehicle. You also said “So I am not happy to learn that not only do I not have MyLink” this leads me to believe that this article was the thing that tipped you off to the fact that you don’t have the features. Im astounded that a deal breaker item was over looked by you in this fashion.
Levi, how about we state it in the following way:
“I find it absolutely ridiculous that GM (Chevrolet) were this un-through through out the marketing of the vehicle and the MyLink system.”
That’s the first sentence in your comment, mate — but looked from an opposite standpoint.
There is no arguing (or denying) that GM faltered in the marketing of the MyLink system; the fact that the official Equinox/Chevrolet website states that MyLink is available starting in the fall of 2012 speaks for itself.
People make decisions based on accurate and available information. In this case, the information that was available was incorrect. So the primary responsibility lies on Chevy in misrepresenting the timing of the MyLink rollout. The secondary responsibility is on the dealers, some of which informed their customers that MyLink was indeed what was powering the infotainment units.
Either way, it all comes back to GM/Chevy. Not sure how one can argue facts.
Very well-put, sir. Some in my line of work may not have say this publicly, but I will: following GM on a daily (if not hourly, minute-by-minute) basis, I was also astounded to find out that the Equinoxes were not shipping with MyLink.
Those who say that it’s up to the buyer to have known that MyLink was not included are rather delusional… or they probably have never worked in customer service. People make choices based on available information; the information — directly from Chevy — stated that MyLink was included for 2012 MY Equinoxes. Simple as that.
Levi
I’m sure it makes you feel superior to point out what you think are fatal flaws in my situation but frankly I didn’t want to waste space on the specific details of my purchase. So I edited out a lot of not relevent details. Well, they werent relevent except for you because for some reason you feel a need to assert some editorial criticism over a stranger. So you filled in those gaps from your own imagination and made assumptions, primarily to try and make me look stupid. So whatever floats your boat dude. You can go to bed knowing how much better you are than some of us.
I still appreciate the fact this web site tracked my understanding of the situation, initially that it’ll be a software upgrade and just a few weeks ago uncovering the reality of the situation.
Well, obviously i feel superior. Thats why i come to these boards, to assert my superiority I was not trying to make you feel dumb, ignorant, or inferior. Sorry if it seemed that way. Though i do believe that a mistake was made on your behalf. I know when i got my car i did loads of research, even as far as reading the owners manual before i had the car, mainly in anticipation. The same issue happened with my car regarding the ultrasonic park assist. It was initially stated to be on all 2LT and 2SS, but before production began, it was changed, and then added mid way through the 2010 MY cars. I knew that mine would not have the feature when i ordered, even though it was, early in the options announcements, stated to be standard.
Maybe you were intact completely mislead by the sales staff. Maybe the window sticker on your vehicle said “MyLink.” I don’t know. All i know is that I’m tired of people blaming others for problems that they create. The average person buys 7 cars in their lifetime, the average sales person does more than that in a month. So you could say that its their responsibility to make clear what you are getting. And I agree. In sales or customer service in general, i would not lie to a customer, as that has worse repercussions than the truth 99 times out of 100. But in order for the sales staff to do that, they need to be asked the right questions. They will not, and should not, start spitting out features that the car does not have, unless you ask about it. It would be absurd for a sales person to say “the equinox does not have automatic park assist, but if you buy an escape you can have it,” Unless specifically asked about that feature. The information that i have seen about MyLink states that it will be available starting with the 2012 volt and equinox (LT). Perhaps some took this to mean that all 2012 equinox would have it, or even that they would have it from the launch of the MY, or maybe there is some information out there that says they will all have it. According to Chevy.com, they have “Color Touch Radio with 7″ diagonal screen.” (that is found on the highlighted features page). While this is all well and good, and doesn’t specifically say that the screen doesn’t include the features, the next little nugget of gold pretty much makes my case, as far as current information, such information which people will base decisions on, http://www.chevrolet.com/culture/article/stow-your-phone-then-use-it/ Many times in that, it states a release date of spring 2012. Im aware that earlier press releases have stated soon release time frames, though no definitive date was given, and I’m sure you realize that this isn’t the first electronic to miss its target release date.
Again, maybe you were mislead, in which case, you do have legal actions against the dealership (not GM, since they didn’t do the misleading) to void the contract.
Either way, Im over this topic. I do still believe that the buyer should take a certain amount of responsibility for not throughly checking for “must have” options in a 30,000 dollar purchase. I also believe that fraudulent misrepresentation is not the customers fault, and it a whole different issue, that is the dealerships liability.
But wait! There are significant differences and flaws in your argument.
For starters, park assist is a feature that is visible to the eye. The bumpers either have the sensors… or they don’t. In the case of MyLink, however, the visible differences are much more subtle, if non-existent.
Both the non-MyLink color touchscreen and MyLink have the same setup; the only thing missing is the software support for apps (Pandora, Stitcher, etc.), Bluetooth profile (A2DP) as well as tons of software that’s not visible/tangible.
Secondly, the main Equinox page states an availability date of Fall 2011. You dug up a page on the Chevy site that’s not relevant to the Chevrolet Equinox buyer; in fact, GM’s own SEM campaigns point users to Chevrolet.com/Equionx — not to a page in the Culture section of the site.
Overall, this is a case with tons of gray room. The current touch screens look like MyLink but don’t work like them and GM didn’t provide correct information on its own website. Even if we don’t take dealer information into account, there’s enough to make a case that there was a misrepresentation of product. As in why does a customer need to ask the dealer about MyLink if Chevy’s own website states that it’s available Fall 2011?
And Levi, it sounds like you don’t the right attitude or personality to work at any job where customer service is a priority.
You can judge me for my stance on this issue, as I could judge your intelligence for making an incoherent sentence. Either way, I’m will to bet that each of those judgements would be way off mark. No reason to make this personal.
I’ll say 2 things that you are still over looking. (besides physical appearances, my mom wouldn’t have a clue what the “dots” on the front bumper were for, or even the back)
In order for misrepresentation to matter, it has to be a deciding factor to buy the car. Since it DOES NOT say standard fall 2011, they’d have to check that theirs has that available option. If it was a decision maker, they would check for it.
For my second contention, I’ll restate that it does not say standard in fall 2011. It in no way implies all equinox would have it. It’s like saying cruzes have available 1.4T engines, then a customer suing because they bought one with a 1.8, and didn’t check to make sure before they finalized the purchase.
Other than that, I’m still done with this argument. Agree to disagree. Or if it makes you happy, “You are right. I am wrong. GM is solely liable and it’s in no way the customers responsibility to see what equipment is on the car they buy.”
So does one need to check every single detail of the car to make sure they’re not getting fucked over? Do I suddenly need to become a walking encyclopedia on whatever car I’m buying? It’s obvious that Chevy screwed up here. It’s also obvious that some were mislead by the marketing materials provided by Chevy.
The MyLink mattered to many, and was the deciding factor for some (vs Edge with my ford touch).
FYI – there is no option on 1LT and above. What you get is a color touch screen, like it ot not. So why is it that a customer would think they’re not getting MyLink if there is no higher option?
Well, I try my best not to bring any incoherent sentences into this world, but sometimes it happens 🙂
I don’t think there any arguing as to whether MyLink will be an optional feature. That’s not the point; the point is that Chevy’s primary marketing materials — the ones most people use to educate themselves of the car they’re considering — clearly state a Fall 2011 availability. And given the fact that 1LT, 2LT, and LTZ Equinoxes have the 7″ touch screen standard, common sense would say that it’s the MyLink unit.
As for the Cruze 1.8 vs. 1.4T example… the car’s sticker clearly reflects the powertrain; in the case of the Equinoxes not having MyLink, the sticker does not state the inclusion of MyLink; but it does say something to the effect of “seven-inch color touch-screen.” MyLink is also a 7-inch color touchscreen… lending even more confusion to this already-confusing situation.
Now, I don’t think there is a right and wrong here, although someone will ultimately end up eating the proverbial “bill”… that’s why we have these comments here — to discuss and understand the issues that affect us and those around us.
There’s only one reason why I even stumbled upon this discussion: I was planning to go look at a 2012 GMC Terrain today, fully expecting that Intellilink was available, but then I found out that it was not. I was disappointed.
My car is faster than all of yours. I can also puff my chest more.
Wrong! My four-axled tank is not only faster, it spits out fire upon me pressing a button.
My name Silent. I so smarty I so smarty.
My thinking is obviously leans more toward Alex’s than Levi’s. I can respect that Levi approaches these transactions much more “professionally” but he is the exceptional consumer, not the norm, aware of nuances regular folks won’t be. And like most here we believe that we ought not to have to be like NSA analysts, trying to deduce if “Fall” means one thing and did they use weasel words that plain old folks thinks means one thing while insiders know might mean something else. I read the material on the Chevy web site, I looked at the brochures, then I see the press releases and the Youtube videos and it’s clear to me that I just bought MyLink. How can any average consumer do that and not come away with that?
After I bought my car, I found here that there were reports that people did not have MyLink in their 2012s but there were also reports that GM said it’d be a software upgrade. I think Alex got that from GM at one point, no? .So you know, I’m OK with a software upgrade. I do software, I get delayed releases or point upgrades. It happens..
What I don’t get is the current stance of GM. The “Sorry, you lose. Go away.” response that seems to be the position at the moment. Wait, they issued no press releases that explain that the announced 2012 Equinox MyLink was going to be delayed into later in the model year? So real people are to “know” the status of MyLink how?
So I’ve written to GM/Chevy Customer Service requesting an explanation and their plans. Haven’t heard back, will share when I do. But you know, if they said they wanted some reasonable fee to do a hardware swap, I’d be good with that (I;m sure many wouldn’t be, but I’d rather have what I want than fight for a principal and have nothing….) But if they continue with the “Sorry” and “no upgrade for you” and hide behind the weasel words and follow blame the victim approach (ref Levi above) than I think we speak with consumer affairs people in various states and see who agrees with us and who might want to discuss this with Chevy. I can be reasonable, here’s to hoping GM believes in that as well.
Right on, bud. One should’ve have to follow the industry and/or GM every hour to understand what’s happening with a real-world product. And even if you do (like we do here at GM Authority), there wasn’t a peep from GM publicly or privately to dealers about whether MyLink was delayed or available.
It wasn’t until I reached out to GM via PR contacts that I was set straight!
More than likely the unexplained MyLink delay is a result of disasters in Japan and/or Thailand that affected parts suppliers. Other car manufactures are also missing features. The 8 inch screen that was supposed to be standard on many 2012 Chrysler vehicles was substituted with a 4 inch screen on many vehicles due to supply issues.
Same type of thing is going on right now with some other car makers vehicles.
Chrysler was much more clear with their issue. First you can obviously see the screen is not 8 inches and secondly the factory sticker specifically notes the change and shows an itemized price credit for the deleted item. GM’s silent “hope you don’t notice” is sleazy.
Just dropping my hat in. Was mislead by marketing materials about it being available in 12 models as well as the dealer (software updates bait and switch “it’s not in there yet but will be available in an update you can put on one of those, you know, little USB thingies”). Had no idea of these discussions until just recently and I find it odd because Siri works and the screen even shows my full contact list so voice and data are flying over Bluetooth.
Window sticker says 7″ color touch radio and lists Bluetooth right there. I guess kiiiinda misleading for the purposes of this discussion? Figured I had nothing to worry about. Even have the backup cam so figured this was the top radio.
Not terribly concerned about pandora etc tho something tells me other support and upgrades down the line for the vehicle will be missed out on not having the link radio which makes me sad.. Things like making Siri a bit more seamless. It does strange things and disconnects intermittently making it almost useless. (say bluetooth then voice triggers Siri.. says calling then the radio says goodby then reconnects the call over Bluetooth?! Annoying. If they make the link radio do this better, I hope we get this too.
All aside, loving all the other amazing things about my new red 1lt ’12
Side note: lists remote start but that’s not working. Any ideas?
Hey Jay — I’m right there with you on your take of MyLink and its availability. It’s no good that its delay was pushed ‘Under the table” rather than being brought into the open. For instance, Chrysler (I believe) made an actual deduction on the sticker of its vehicles for not including their promised new infotainment option. There was an actual credit to the consumer for the lack of the system!
The Bluetooth passthrough works, but — as you said — it’s a bit counterintuitive. The “goodbye” thing, especially.
Re Remote Start: it will only work twice while the car is in park. And you have to press the lock button once and then hold the remote start button until the vehicle starts. Have you tried that?
Ok, When I posted my original comments to this issue, I may have been somewhat off base. I also agree that the company should have done a better job explaining My Link. At the dealership level, we can only do what Chevy allows us to. As for myself, I pride myself on my honesty when demonstrating and selling vehicles. I personally have never promised someone their vehicle will do something it can’t, although obviously I can’t speak for other sales consultants. It is a tragedy that GM & Chevy specifically dropped the ball on the My Link, and even more so that so many dealers make empty promises.
To all of you who have got an Equinox without the system, I am terribly sorry that you were misinformed or even down-right lied to. To anyone considering an Equinox in the future, they are still an amzing vehicle, with or without the entertianment apps, although I do hope Chevy gets going with the apps they promised soon-it would make sales consultant’s lives much easier.
I am not always right in my opinions, but I do believe in being totally honest in selling/leasing vehicles. My Customer Service scores illustrate that. I do hope that if anyone is at all interested in an Equinox, that you will consider the merits and benefits the vehicle does have, and I sincerely hope Chevy will remedy the My Link issue quickly.
Please find the enclosed email from Chevy Marketing to all its dealers nationwide:
The purpose of this message is to notify you of a recent change in the planned availability of Chevrolet MyLink on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The catalog shipped to you last Fall indicates that the Chevrolet MyLink Touch Radio will be standard beginning in the Spring of 2012 on the 2LT and LTZ trim levels and included in the Driver Convenience Package on the 1LT. This is no longer accurate. When the MyLink radio is available on the 2012 Equinox, currently scheduled for Spring 2012, MyLink will be an optional feature only on the 2LT and LTZ trims.
As a result of this change, the information in the 2012 Equinox catalog regarding MyLink availability is no longer accurate. The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox catalog will be reprinted to provide up-to-date information. The new catalogs will be sent to you toward the end of January and more details will follow on replacement of the catalogs at that time.
We need your assistance as follows:
Be sure you counsel with all 2012 Equinox customers concerning the availability of Chevrolet MyLink. In this regard, please note that Chevrolet MyLink is not available with Navigation for the 2012 model year. Also, vehicles originally equipped with the Color Touch Radio (standard on LT and LTZ) without Chevrolet MyLink cannot be retrofitted later with MyLink.
This email just came out last week. The information dealers had was false.
As a reminder, you can learn more about the Color Touch Family of Radios, including MyLink, on gmproductsource.com.
We published a new article with an update on the subject:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2011/12/chevy-delays-mylink-infotainment-system-to-spring-2012/
Thanks for the heads up, Michael!
Michael,
Thanks for posting that. Too bad GM is a few months late (and how many 2012’s sold in the interim)? Seriously, would have closed on the Ford had GM been straight that the car had no Mylink nor a chance to be so upgraded. The $$ difference between the two was not that much given the Synch functionality available on the Ford.
Guess I’ll get some letter from GM customer service in response to my written complaint telling me in polite terms that I’m SOL. I’ll remember that when asked about the car by others. Perhaps my letter helped them realize they needed to say something rather than let this drag on any more? Who knows.
This might be the first time I don’t drive a car for years but instead sell it in a couple of years. Whether I’ll buy GM again is a very uncertain question. Right now, if asked, the answer would be no.
I’m glad the issue seems to be resolving, just not happy that the resolution leaves folks like me apparently holding our *****.
Alex- thanks! Missed that on the remote start. Thanks!
Michael- that sucks. A lot. Time for a letter I guess. If not a slew of them. As I states before.. Lied to or misled by dealerships, printed materials and online materials.
This issue is 80% GMs fault for providing bad information and not notifying dealers about this early and immediately updating their documentation.
However, the buyers are not completely blameless if they signed the papers at the dealership without checking for it if MyLink was a make or break feature to them.
This would have never happened to me because I would have tested to make sure the MyLink features worked properly with my phone before signing any papers and I would have discovered it was missing at that point.
Joe — by saying that it would seem that you’ve never purchased a vehicle… Have you?
Joe-
How can you say that if the materials say its part of the “Driver Convenience Package on the 1LT on 2012 models” which I what I got and it lists all kinds of misleading things under radio including Bluetooth for phone specifically. Do you look under the hood and make sure every hose is marked with the right serial number for everything they’re rated for? Or do you trust that your bew american car has the things the brochure says it ahould?
As a buyer, I asked and was told it would be available as a software update just for the bluetooth pandora stuff. Complete bait and switch in light of this recent announcement of no retrofitting. I fully expect to be taken care of by gm on this one
As for testing, using the new iPhone, I’m not concerned about it not being supported.
iPhone or not, I would still test to make sure it was not only supported, but worked as expected. These things can be buggy and not work properly. See MyFordTouch issues.
I also would not believe what a salesman told me verbally or even in writing unless the in-writing documentation included a remedy for it not happening. Such as if the dealer promised a software update, they would also have to have a remedy or compensation for what to do if the update didn’t come by a certain date. If they aren’t willing to do that, then it clearly is not something that’s a sure thing to be counted on.
You cannot blindly believe what a salesman tells you about things like that.
First off, your conditions would result in you not buying any car… And likely being laughed out of a store. How the hell is the dealer supposed to know when the update (if there were one), would be made available? For instance, Ford itself didn’t know when it would issue the latest MFT update until two weeks ago!
GM just clearly stated that it provided incorrect information. This information was used to make purchase decisions. Simple as pie as to who is at fault here. But playing the blame game isn’t very useful, as GM needs to stand up to its mistake and set things right.
You aren’t getting it.
If this is a feature you must have, don’t rely on what a salesman tells you. Their promises are meaningless and they shouldn’t make promises they can’t back up in the first place.
If this was a deal breaking feature, I absolutely would not go ahead with a purchase based on the salesman promising a software update with no way to remedy the situation if the update didn’t come within the time frame promised.
Someone posted here they would have bought a Ford with Sync instead if they knew this was happening.
If you must have this feature, don’t buy the vehicle until you see it working with your own eyes.
Oh no, I’m getting it alright. Let’s not even bring the salesman into the equation. Instead, let’s focus on Chevy as the salesman…
Primarily, its website and the vehicle brochures — both of which state that MyLink will come to market Fall 2012. At that point, I don’t even need to ask the salesman about it, since I just read it in Chevy’s own and official materials!
Why should I go double, triple, quadruple check what I read on Chevy’s own website and vehicle catalogue?
See the problem?
Why not just test it to make sure it worked the way you expected it to work before sealing the deal? I would. As soon as you tried to test it, you would then notice it isn’t there with no need to check any websites.
It would then make sense to ask the salesman about it and they could verify that the car was built without it for whatever reason and they could research whether or not it could be added on later and you can then decide if you still want the vehicle enough to do without it or if you wanted to shop for a different vehicle or if you wanted to postpone the purchase and wait for the availability.
Also, what if the hardware was installed, but turned out that the MyLink features you wanted use most dodn’t work for you? It could be your cell phone carrier or a phone OS update or back end server and network problems on the services you wanted to use or other things not within GM’s control that could made it useless to you.
If I really wanted this feature, I would test the most whichever MyLink feature I though was the most important to make sure I liked it during the test drive. Within a few seconds of playing with the radio buttons, I would notice MyLink was missing.
Joe-
They misled. By giving a radio that looks 100% identical to what I was expecting and sending me to register at the radio upgrade site etc.
I’m not one to usually complain but I do feel in this case that they messed up through neglecting the issue.
I’m one of those people that feels that hiding the truth or Lying about it are in par with each other.
Apple screwed up the iPhone 4 antenna design and while not officially acknowledging the issue they gave out free bumpers to resolve the issue and keep the customers happy. Thy also fixed the misleading overinflated signal strength readings. Hardware and software corrections.
While not Identical, I do expect that I’ll be back here at some point over the next year vindicated on some level.
There aren’t many of us an they can squash this quick by reaching out to us, or at least me.
Yes, as i said, it is at least 80% GMs fault if a buyer bought a car thinking that it had MyLink and not noticing it didn’t until after they completed the purchase. GM was way too slow to make it clear that they had postponed the feature.
However, the buyers should also look at the car and at least toggle through the radio display (and probably also test it out if they really cared about MyLink features working).
t would be listed on the car’s window sticker and would either be a standard feature or part of some option package you would have to order. Either way it would be itemized.
If I only wanted leather seats if they included seat heaters, I would check for the existence of the seat heater buttons before I purchased that specific vehicle even if it was summer on the purchase date.
MyLink is supposed to be a wow feature that you would expect to be highlighted on the window sticker and demoed by the salesman during the test drive and that should have been a clue to double check on it when it wasn’t, but I agree that GM should have announced the delay much more quickly than they did.
Joe-
Why keep referring to the salesman when I clearly stated that I was assured by them that this was the radio and it only needed a software update to get the other features?
Also, do you understand that the brochure says its included in the driver convince package which IS listed on the window sticker which I have?
The fact that they waited these 3 months and had un informed dealers selling it after they dropped the ball means that gm should do right by the few of us who were misled. No?
If the salesman told you that, then obviously the salesman was making that up or just guessing because there was never any announcement of a software upgrade. They lied to make the sale.
I would never believe that without actually seeing a current statement from GM that backed up the salesman’s claim about it. If they cannot guarantee it, then it is not smart to rely on an empty promise if MyLink is important or a must-have feature.
Of course, the majority of blame goes to GM for putting misleading information that was updated way too late, but warning bells were ringing loudly when the item was missing and you had nothing but a verbal promise about a supposed software update from your salesman who is in the process of getting a sale clesed.
Joe-
Don’t forget the my link site where you enter your Vin for my link and it finds my car and radio and will let me know when the “update” will be available. There was plenty of evidence that led me to believe this was coming.
I think the buying process, from the perspective of Levi and to some extent, Joe, is much more a caveat emptor experience than it is for many of us. Both these fellas sound like salesmen of some type. In the 21st century, with state and federal consumer law regarding advertising and claims plus past experience with dealing with car companies, I (and many others) do not see the need to verify product description materials from the manufacturer against the actual vehicle. If they say it is there, I will not accept blame from others that it was my duty to not believe GM but that instead somehow it became my burden to assume everything they said is a lie until I see it proven before my eyes. Nor does the “blame” shift from them to me because I do not make them prove something. They make the product, they decide the features, the pricing and work to convince me to purchase their product over their competitors.
Chevy published official product materials, these had feature descriptions, they had things available online including videos with dates in them. KBB and cars.com among others had reviews (many often just regurgitating GM press materials since few had actually driven the car) and nothing said that MyLink wasn’t part of the package or that it would be available later in the model year. Comparing cars and their features against a list of must have and nice to have features will for many be a paper exercise, because we trust that the manufacturer isn’t lying to us. 6 disc changer? I don’t bring 6 discs and insist on seeing them load.
You know, my dad has no cell phone, but if he bought a car that said it had built-in blue tooth, he’d say he doesn’t care because he doesn’t own a cellphone. But I’d expect that when he did buy a cell phone, that the feature would really be there, even if it was years later that he decided that it was now an important to him.
Same with MyLink. Believing GM’s own materials that it was available made a difference in analyzing and comparing different vehicles. If they had clearly said “not available until Spring 2012” then as an informed consumer, I’d have been able to take that into account. The fact that they clarified it after the purchase point is the issue.
As for the dealer, well, we may be more cynical about their representations, but if you have to verify everything the manufacturer says, then you have other issues. Myself, I like my dealer, my salesman and feel sorry for them that GM put them in a position to look bad. GM didn’t leave them in a good place either.
I can understand why salesmen may be more cynical about the sales process, but that isn’t the standard most of us use. And I respect how others will approach making a purchase, but I disagree that what they would do in this situation is now the basis for critiquing what I or others should have done.
People can try and shift the blame for this onto me and others but frankly, I don’t care because for them it’s an academic exercise while for me, it’s very real. I’m certainly not changing my position because someone says that the problem is mine because I trusted what I read.
johnmc,
Youre right its absolutely no way the buyers fault, as consumers we have come to trust companies and usually that trust is never broken, my only sticking point is that if mylink was such a make or break feature that the buyer would rather buy a ford if it wasnt there, then that buyer should have checked mylink before buying the vehicle, not because it might not be there, but because as with technology there tons of things that could go wrong with mylink, e.g. there phone might not be compatable and so on, and thre that checking they would have discovered mylink was not there. That said, I think the GM is completely at fault. salesman arent techies, they know how to sell not navigate new technology, they just believed whatever they were told by GM, GM should either offer to buyback the vehicles from the buyers who were misinformed or give some other compensation.
BTW: this is one of the reasons I never buy a first gen car or technology, and rather buy a “like new” used car, you save money and have peace of mind.
But see, that’s the sticky thing about this situation: MyLink looks identical (as far as we know) to what’s shipping now. So the only way for someone to actually test this out the way you recommend is to 1) pair their device with the vehicle 2) enable an app on the device and 3) try to find a way to use it with MyLink.
I don’t think many pair their phone during the purchase process, if any at all. If Ford says SYNC can do X, Y, and Z, no one really questions it. LIke you said, we trust the information provided to us by the companies.
Maybe all this points to a need to improve the auto shopping experience…
Did they list in on the window sticker? Even when bundled with an option group they would list MyLink out just like they list out AM/FM/CD XM Radio etc.. I have never seen a car with a feature like this that wasn’t on the sticker whether it was standard, an option or part of a package. If I didn’t see it itemized anywhere on the window sticker or any of the papers I signed and it wasn’t spelled out in the purchase contract that MyLink was included with the vehicle, that would be a red flag to me. Is there any Ford with Sync that doesn’t spell it out on the window sticker even if it’s standard on that vehicle?
By they way, again, I am not saying it’s not primarily GM’s fault since it was not made clear that the feature had been pulled until way too late and didn’t post a press release as soon as they made the decision to go ahead with building the cars without it. That was their PR screw up that will anger buyers, but hey generally have a fine print disclaimer saying something like “features listed subject to change” etc, so you have to watch out and check for every feature you care about when you buy.
I still don’t agree with you. I guess it’s a matter of customer service perspectives.
You speak of red flags and others mentioned “warning lights”… that’s fine for enthusiasts such as you and me. The lack of an itemized/line on the sticker may be a “red flag” for us. But not for the average consumer, who ultimately makes up 90% of sales in any industry (for the most part) and thereby drives those industries.
In other words, why does a consumer need to hunt, peck, and seek “red flags”? Is there no such thing as decent customer service anymore? You know, the ability to make purchase decisions without feeling like you’re forgetting something or haven’t checked [insert enthusiast/consumer watchdog website here in the last 15 minutes] or are, in some other way, getting screwed?
I guess my question is as follows: why is a regular consumer expected to become an expert on all things monrone [sticker]?
If that were the real-world expectation, and if Chevy/GM were after sales excellence on a store level, they would train their sales associates to review the window sticker with the customer at time of purchase line by line. Then there won’t be any questions or doubts, whatsoever.
So let’s see — to those who purchased your 2012 Equinoxes — did you sales person review the sticker with you?
The website now says MyLink “planned for” Spring 2012, so they are not promising anything as a sure thing anymore, they are only planning to have MYLink by then.
They could have saved themselves their PR issue headache if they had clearly said that from the beginning,
Yes sir; we pointed this out here:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2011/12/chevy-delays-mylink-infotainment-system-to-spring-2012
Joe- if you know every detail about every spec then you are in a different class then myself and most buyers. Having the 2012 brochure say its part of the convienience package that I ordered and looking at the picture which looks like my radio and YES we paired it and saw all my contacts on the screen etc was rather convincing. I didn’t know pandora pairing thru bluetooth was the ONLY way to differentiate the difference between two radios when I had no clue that there even were two identical looking radios!?! You’re far too cynical and think everyone should be an untrusting encyclopedia and while to some extent that’s fine, I felt that I was well enough prepared and ultimately got bait (my link on 12 models with package) and switched (random color touch identical looking radio).
Honestly, it’s the future updates that I’m more interested that will be missed out on. It also looks like the new one will have better voice integration which sucks because my iPhone worked once with Siri but is now acting odd and mostly useless for steering wheel voice dial. See above. I digress.
To answer your question, I was told from the dealer that I had to go to the my connected radio site and sign up and it will let me know when new my link features become available for upgrade, and then just “put them on a little USB thingy” and ur all set. convincing enough for me. I shook his hand. Maybe his fingers were crossed behind his back.
Babersher-
And
Johnmc-
And
Alex-
Thanks. Was starting to feel all alone out here. I’ll use some of your ideas when I write to customer service if you don’t mind?!
I don’t want a buy back. Not exactly sure if I want anything. Finding a way to upgrade those of us they duped would be ideal but something tells me I’ll get a nice “thanks for letting us know how you feel” response with a big middle finger, some info on how great the car and color touch radio are and then possibly some legal jargon or joelike sentiments explaining why they feel that nothing else needs to be done followed by enjoy your new vehicle!!
As you say, he told you verbally that all you needed to do was go the website and download an update that would activate MyLink and this process wasn’t in writing officially coming from GM. Car salesmen have flatly lied or been misinformed/clueless about bigger issues than MyLink over the years.
Well, now you have learned your lesson to never trust anything a car salesman trying to get a commission tells you that cannot be verified/guaranteed and to also not believe everything shown in brochures and marketing materials in sprite of what you have or don’t have on your sales contract and the window sticker of the individual vehicle you;re buying.
Joe-
I’ll let you know how they correct the situation.
I’m holding out hope that by saying it it’s not an option in the current color touch radios in the dealer memo, that’s so the problem doesn’t get worse and they will still take care of those of us that we’re misled.
What does everyone else think?
I just returned from my Chevy dealership here in Knoxville, TN, where I had planned on ordering an Equinox 2LT with Navigation and a few other options (did not want leather or a moonroof), and expected to be able to order MyLink on my vehicle as a standard item as shown in the currently available (2012) brochure. I told the salesman that I would be willing to wait for the vehicle for whatever time it took to have it delivered with MyLink. The manager at the dealership made a call to Chevrolet, and was informed that the MyLink option was presently only available to be ordered on the top end LTZ, and then only on the V6 version. There was no indication when (or if) MyLink would in fact be available on the 2LT. And the worst thing is that on the Chevy web page describing the current MyLink features and availability, the fine print says “2 Optional on select up level trims and planned for Spring 2012. Ask dealer about availability. Not available with Color Touch Navigation Radio.” So my plan of purchasing the Navi system for my 2LT would clearly preclude getting MyLink on my vehicle, for the 2012 model year. So for the time being, I have delayed the purchase decision, and will wait to see what develops. Perhaps it is worth waiting for the 2013 Equinox to come out, as it is projected to have a new engine, and may allow integration of both MyLink and navigation.
Larry
I think what you’re seeing here is the unavailability of MyLink and, instead, the inclusion of the Color Touchscreen Radio. Since MyLink isn’t being included, anything combined with it is stated as unavailable.
MyLink will only be available on the 2LT and LTZ Equinoxes and will be available with the Navigation system:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2011/12/chevy-delays-mylink-infotainment-system-to-spring-2012/
So now they’re saying only 2lt with nav? They”ve said before only without nav. What a mess!!!
Well, it’s 2LT for the MyLink option. Not sure about the Nav part, but I’m sure it will be offered with MyLink as well. Can’t see it happening any other way, which would be quite inconvenient.
I agree. Nav only makes sence to be a part of it. In fact, this color touch radio without Nav option is pretty silly if U ask me. It should just be in there, or at least an option to upgrade. Too many similar identical looking radio options is confusing. This is very fragmented and the Onstar Nav doesn’t quite cut it.
Here’s what I now *think* I understand, based on the Youtube video of MyLink from last week’s CES show:
It clearly states “we have 2 applications that have been approved at this point, with many, many more in the works…navigation applications, and so forth.” So the key thing is to get MyLink on your 2LT or LTZ (at least), and forget about depending on Chevy’s Navi system with its extra initial cost, and high cost for updates, and simply use an iPhone navi app (like maybe MotionGPS Drive) to boot into MyLink and (hopefully) have a full Navi functionality with virtually no initial cost, and cheap updates etc. I’m holding off my 2LT purchase until MyLink is clearly available for order.
Larry
So here’s a question… What If I was as thorough as possible in all my research leading up to ordering and also taking delivery of my 2012 Equinox back in September 2011? So thorough in fact, I made sure that on my signed purchase order, which I still have a copy of, that they specifically called out a navigation radio WITH MyLink. My dealer gave no indication that they could not deliver that vehicle to me. Upon receiving the vehicle, I did check out the color touch screen, hooked up my iPhone – w/Pandora app installed and noticed the icon for Pandora did not appear. I also noticed that none of the voice controls for music seemed to be there and did in fact notice that the features described in all the articles I read about Mylink did not seem to be present. This was immediately brought to the dealers attention. After some phone calls, they came back to me and assured me not to worry about it, that it was a software update to my currently installed radio, and it would be ready next month. That is the ONLY reason I took delivery of the vehicle. I’ve checked in monthly for the last 6 months, until now I find out that I have been mislead this whole time. I’m definitely to the point where I’m going to begin pursuing legal avenues, as the dealership has basically stopped responding since I notified them that a GM rep told me my vehicle was not MyLink capable.
I bought an Equinox for this specific feature, and I can see where so many feel cheated out of this. Being a software engineer myself, I was extra careful about making sure I covered all my bases, and I’ll probably still get screwed. But I can definitely understand that everyday consumers, as cautious as they may also have been, could very easily be mislead by whole mess. I certainly hope GM finds a way to make this right.
Another wonderful example of this “mess”. Clarity in communication, while not always beneficial, is definitely useful in most cases. I, too, hope that GM takes care of you in the most right of ways. If needed, the should take the devaluation loss of the vehicle and put you into a new one.
Another great example of this “mess”. Clarity in communication is often very important, although it sometimes does have its downsides.
GM needs to take of folks like yourself even if that means putting them into a new vehicle and eating the devaluation cost.
To any of the people that say it is our fault, because we trusted the advertising material and salesperson, you are out of line.
I am sure someone of your hindsight always tests every piece of food you by from the market for vitamin, calorie, and fat count. Of course you don’t, you trust the packaging.
Hey Mike, I hope you don’t think I’m saying it’s your fault, quite the opposite. My point was mainly aimed at the people doubting you, and that even if we were to take every possible precaution, we’ll all end up with the same result, and that is very unfortunate. I fully understand where you are coming from and I too think presentation (or mis-representation) by GM and by salepersons is just as unfair to you as my situation is to me.
Right. Mike, I don’t think you could be held at fault for simply passing on the available information from GM.
MCE,
This wasn’t directed at you. I too am an engineer and did as thorough an investigation as humanly possible, based on the intel that was available.
You and I are int he same boat.
Mike,
Couldn’t agree more. I’m continuing the try and work this through the dealer at this point. I will keep you guys posted as to how it turns out.
MCE,
Best of luck to you. I have been stonewalled by the dealership I bought from, Courtesy Chevrolet in San Diego. Their stance is: I signed the docs, it is my responsibility. They have proven they don’t care about the customer, just the sale. I have filed with the BBB and entertaining a lawsuit, but am trying to resolve this with GM directly before going to the courts.
Mike,
That’s kinda funny – I purchased from Quality Chevy in Escondido – we are right down the road from eachother! I have worked with Courtesy before, and I feel for you, they are awful.
Joe – do you have all your retirement funds wrapped up in GM stock? It seems no amount of caution on our part would satisfy you. It’s pretty ridiculous. Consumers have rights – especially against misrepresentation of a product. for example, this is taken directly from CA consumer protection laws:
” California law also provides consumers with strong protections against misrepresentations, which may happen during the negotiations for the purchase or lease of vehicles. The consumer is not required to proof that the salesperson intended to make a misrepresentation. The fact that the misrepresentation was made during the negotiations or sales is all that is required.”
Furthermore,
“A misrepresentation need not be intentionally false to create liability. A statement made with conscious ignorance or a reckless disregard for the truth can create liability. Nondisclosure of material or important facts by a fiduciary or an expert, such as a doctor, lawyer, or accountant, can result in liability. If the speaker is engaged in the business of selling products, any statement, no matter how innocent, may create liability if the statement concerns the character or quality of a product and the statement is not true. In such a case, the statement must be one of fact. This does not include so-called puffing, or the glowing opinions of a seller in the course of a sales pitch (such statements as “you’ll love this car,” or “it’s a great deal”).
Sorry Joe, but I think your long winded efforts here to point the finger back in our direction are quite naive.
A misrepresentation in a contract can give a party the right to rescind the contract.”
The salesman that assured you clearly was just saying what he hoped/assumed might be true (or not) and wanted to say whatever would get you to close the deal.
A dealership salesman or other employee cannot assure you verbally of anything like that. They just want to get their commission and get you out the door, If they cannot stand behind it with any guarantee or remedy of substance, then assume it isn’t going to happen and decide if you still want the car as-is or would prefer to get something else.
Thank you, Captain Hindsight. Your additions to this conversation have been truly helpful!
Joe — what does that even mean? If one can’t assure anyone else of anything in any manner at any time, what does that even say about automotive business practices, or biz practices in general?
If what you’re saying is to be acted upon, then there will be people who simply make car salesmen go away… industry-wide. It seems that that is exactly what you’re advocating here.
What Joe is saying is complete nonsense. See my reply to Mike above Joe’s post – I responded to both at once.
Salepersons or other, you cannot misrepresent what you are trying to sell, it’s the law. I only looked up CA consumer laws, but I’m sure there are equivilents to this in any other state.
MCE,
Also, where did you find the California Consumer laws you referenced above?
Mike – is there a way to contact me privately via this forum? I have some information/contacts that could be very helpful for you. I’m a little hesitant to throw my email address up here…
Guys — I’d recommend going to the GM Authority Forum (click FORUM at the very top or bottom of this page) and then signing up there to send a private message to one another. Let me know if you have any questions — I’m always happy to help!
Mike,
Should you choose to sign up for the forum, please let me know your username, and I will send you a private message.
MCE,
Thanks for the help. For some reason I wasn’t notified you responded. My username is mdbrewer.
Hey Mike,
I sent you a message via the forum.
Wow this is getting overwhelming
I wish I had stumbled oin this website before buying my 2012 Equinox a week and a half ago, I too was told that our Equinox indeed had Mylink as long as we had the Navigation system feature. The dealer’s lot had Mylink stickers plastered on the side windows of the Equinox’s on their lot. The demo I drove had a even mirror hanger for My link in it I personally had to take it off the mirror for the test drive, so there was no mistake about the claims about Mylink. Imagine our surprise when we tried to set up Pandora after taking delivery of our new Equinox 2LT only to discover there was no icon for it. Even the dealer’s people looked at the problem for an hour one evening last week before deciding the feature was indeed not there. Nice job GM if even your own dealerships are not made aware of the Mylink availability issue! Who then provides the marketing materials plastered on the vehicles on our dealer’s lot?? This purchase was to replace our 05 Equinox, which was a fine vehicle we simply wanted to upgrade . Obviously this is a very large scale issue and instead of telling your customers who file a formal complaint the dealer’s Sales Manager is “sorry about that” General Motors needs to step up to the plate and admit their error with extremely poor and deceptive marketing of the Mylink feature. Chevrolet will certainly lose a lot of customers over this situation. I have purchased over a dozen new Chevy vehicles over the years. After the treatment I have gotten upon discovering the issue with our 2012 Equinox, as a long time customer I am definitely gone! While the new Equinox is a truly nice vehicle, as a customer I did not get what I had paid for bottom line………
I always look at the windows sticker to see if they have it….but it’s just that it’s sad some vehicle that dealers have already have close to a thousand miles and still only offer little discounts
Just wanted to add my two cents, I just purchased a 2012 volt last week, as with many stories here it had the MyLink rearview mirror hanging literature on it, all the volts on the lot had the same literature, the salesman when asked said that it had it on it, but it doesn’t, and we didn’t know until after we got it home and contacted GM with the vin to find out why we didn’t have the right home screen controls….it’s because the car didn’t have mylink. I’ve been in contact with the dealer who says thier hands are tied and put out literature when gm tells them to (blames it on gm) and I’m in e-mails with the gm support line who originally told me to contact the dealer…neadless to say I see this one going into a “finger pointing” contest and nothing actually getting done about it.
I purchased my 2012 Equinox 2lt fully expecting mylink capabilities which I now know I don’t have. GM needs to establish a recall and make this right by installing the correct device for those who want mylink. This is my first GM car and it will certainly be my last if it is not corrected. I was mislead and I believe they underestimated how important the mylink feature was to many of us.
have a new 20012 Chev. Equinox with 3000 miles on it. It has now been in the shop at the dealership for over a week. It doesn’t shift right and sounds like a souped up hotrod at times. Factory reps. are involved and they can’t seem to find the problem. Am so mad about the whole thing. i think they should give us a new car. (like that’s going to happen!) What more can we do?
If GM is involved at the corporate level, then you may have some luck with a new car, although getting that to happen legally is troublesome. Did they give you a loaner while your Equinox is in the shop?
Yes they gave us a loaner. gave us 2011 cad. However there was no manuel in it so we had no idea about all the extra things on it. Thankgoodness for kids and grandkids who know about all these things.
This has been very stressful for both my husband and myself. They thought by giving us this loaner they were being so good to us. I can’t wait until this is all cleared up!
What GM could do to kind of remedy this since they can’t retrofit the cars at any reasonable cost is offer the people who purchased during the period where GM first said it would be available and the day they publicly announced the change 3 additional years free XM radio plus free OnStar for their trouble.
Probably won’t even cost GM that much since it isn’t a massive number of vehicles, they own OnStar and can get a cheap rate direcly from XM.
Are they offering anything now to placate people who assumed their cars had MyLink before GM announced the change, updated all their websites and reprinted literature?
I wish my Equinox 2012lt had the mylink as I thought it would. Can I survive without it yes, but it does irritate me to no end that my car is missing a feature I thought it had. Chevy should find a way to do a software update.
I have NEVER been so disgusted with General Motors! We bought a 2012 Equinox and after three months, 3000 miles it starting sounding like a truck, annd not shifing right. Toolk it to our dealer where they had it and worked on it for almost 30 days. Even put a new engine in it. After having rental cars during that time and many days of frustration the y finally gave us a new car. We were promised they’d make it “right ” for us. Didn’t see any of that.
I guess as we get older (early 70’s) we don’t handle things as well as when we were young but, this “don’t worry” didn’t fly with us.
Never again.
Diane, so you got a new Equinox out of the ordeal… right?