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GM reworking mandatory OnStar plans for some 2024 models

For the 2023 model year, GM added its OnStar and Connected Services plan as standard equipment to a large number of Buick, GMC, and Chevrolet vehicles. Folding the $1,500 retail price into the MSRPs of models like the GMC Acadia and Buick Encore plumped up prices beyond the usual year-on-year bumps. Looks like there's a reversal in play for 2024, GM Authority reporting that many of the models fitted with OnStar and Connected Services — now called OnStar Premium — will step down to three years of OnStar Remote Access standard.   OnStar Remote Access comes with these features: Remote key fob, vehicle locate, and remote personalization through mobile and in-vehicle apps. Three additional features can be added to the plan: OnStar Guardian, in-vehicle hotspot, and Super Cruise. Owners can also upgrade to OnStar Premium if they choose.  Higher trims like Buick's Avenir and GMC's Denali, plus the GMC Hummer and the Cadillac Escalade will retain OnStar Premium as standard equipment. That suite starts with Remote Access and adds: Automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance and recovery, OnStar Guardian, in-vehicle app access, unlimited streaming, three years of Super Cruise on vehicles with the hardware, and six months of SiriusXM radio. The Escalade puts a cherry on top with three years Sirius XM instead of six months. The Remote Access plan normally charges $14.99 per month. We're not sure yet if GM will subtract the cost of OnStar Premium from the MSRP and add the $540 for OnStar Remote Access, or if the trial period comes free of charge. Even if that's what happens, the change could take nearly $1,000 off the MSRP of a car like the GMC Acadia before any 2024 increases. We'll know more as the 2024MY models roll out and prices are announced. Related Video 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir revealed

How Chevy used popular Instagram user to promote 2016 Volt

A picture is worth a thousand words. When it comes to Chevrolet and its Volt extended-range plug-in, the automaker is hoping pictures can be turned into a few more buyers. The company extended a little love to one popular social-media practitioner to see if the trick works. Former biochemical engineer Kevin Lu started his Instagram account a couple of years ago during a road trip, and the quality of his shots has attracted about 181,000 followers. With that popularity in mind, Chevy brought Lu up to Detroit to check out the unveiling of the next-generation Volt at the Detroit Auto Show last month. Lu also got to see the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly factory where the Volt is built, Automotive News reports. As for the next-gen Volt, Chevy says a more efficient powertrain and lighter battery help give the car an all-electric range of up to 50 miles and a total driving distance of more than 400 miles. Chevy also touts the model's streamlined grille and (tight) seating for three in the rear. General Motors hopes a combination of those improvements and exposure from sources such as Lu and his Instagram account (and some sleepy ads, apparently) revitalize sales of the model. Last year, Volt sales fell 19 percent to 18,805 units. Related Videos: News Source: Automotive News-sub.req. via GM AuthorityImage Credit: Kevin Lu/Instagram Green Detroit Auto Show Chevrolet Detroit extended-range plug-in instagram

Seized drug dealer's Corvette Z06 joins Texas police fleet

A police department in Texas caused a stir after they posted pictures of their hot new ride on social media last week. This 2007 Corvette Z06 with dark-tinted windows once belonged to a drug dealer, but was seized in a DEA raid. The feds awarded the Corvette to the New Braunfels Police Department for their help in bringing down the drug distribution ring in the area. When police posted images of the car on their Facebook page, some followers were angry that tax dollars were spent on such an extravagant car. New Braunfels PD were quick to defend themselves. "To be clear, this vehicle was awarded to NBPD as part of an asset distribution from the Federal DEA criminal case of a large drug distribution ring in our area," the New Braunfels PD wrote on their Facebook page. "NBPD was instrumental in helping bring down that drug enterprise. Property seized during the course of an investigation is only awarded to the law enforcement agency after a court has determined that the suspect was involved in criminal activity and the proceeds (money) from that activity (i.e dealing drugs) paid for the items seized. Therefore, no property is given to a law enforcement agency prior to the investigation being completed and tried in a court of law." With a 505 horsepower V8 engine this murdered-out Corvette could outrun most speeders and getaway drivers. As is often the case in instances such as this, however, the 'Vette will be used in community outreach programs rather than as an active-duty cruiser. The department is currently holding a contest asking kids between 8 and 16 years old to find a name for the sports car. Currently, the most liked name is 'Optimus Crime'. A final winner will be chosen by the department on September 22. The kid who picks the name will earn bragging rights, plus a ride in the Corvette when its unveiled at the Comal County Fair Parade this weekend. Related Video: