Customers Who Purchase New GM Vans Equipped With Mobility Technology To Get Free OnStar

General Motors engineers Kelly Walro (l to r), Cido Porcel and Michelle Burrows pose with a Sit-N-Lift equipped 2004 Chevrolet Venture Thursday, August 26, 2004, in Pontiac, Mich. The trio developed the Sit-N-Lift seat system that provides convenient access to the right-hand second-row seating area. Operated by a handheld remote control, the power bucket seat rotates, then extends out of the vehicle and lowers for easy entry and exit. This feature allows a wide range of people to stay as independent as possible - and GM is the only automotive manufacturer in the U.S. to offer a fully motorized, rotating lift-and-lower passenger seat. (General Motors/John F. Martin)

DETROIT October 7, 2004; GM today announced that customers who purchase a new 2005 crossover sport van and have it equipped with a Sit-N-Lifttm seat or upfitted with aftermarket mobility equipment will receive three years of OnStar safety and security services.

"GM recognizes that family caregivers, seniors, and people who have limited mobility are particularly concerned with personal security and safety,'' said Ray Bush, marketing manager for GM Mobility. "This new program provides them with the safety they want while they're on the road.''

Under the new offer, customers who purchase crossover sport vans and equip them with the Sit-N-Lifttm power seat or aftermarket adaptive equipment through the GM Mobility Reimbursement Program will receive two years of the OnStar "Safe & Sound" service plan in addition to the one year of service that is included with every new van purchase.

Sit-N-Lifttm is a fully motorized, rotating lift-and-lower passenger seat that makes it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to enter and exit the vehicle. GM is the only U.S. automaker to offer this type of power seat. It is a dealer-installed option, capable of being financed with the new vehicle, and is covered under GM's new vehicle warranty. Sit-N-Lifttm can be installed in the 2005 Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, Buick Terraza and Saturn Relay crossover sport vans.

The GM Mobility Reimbursement Program reimburses customers up to $1,000 when they buy a new GM vehicle and adapt it with one or more of the 35 eligible aftermarket mobility equipment modifications such as hand controls or ramps.

With OnStar, subscribers have direct access to safety and security features such as 24-hour emergency assistance, remote door unlock, stolen vehicle location assistance and GM Goodwrench Remote Vehicle Diagnostics. OnStar subscribers also have access to OnStar Personal Calling, which allows drivers to make and receive hands-free voice activated phone calls through a nationwide cellular network.

"OnStar can potentially make a big difference for someone with limited mobility," said Tony DiSalle, vice president for OnStar sales, service and marketing. "OnStar enhances vehicle safety and can facilitate an emergency response when the vehicle's occupants may be incapable."