OnStar Gears Up to Help Children Find Santa Claus

DETROIT, Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- On Christmas Eve, OnStar advisors will be prepared to give subscribers specific location-based updates on Santa Claus' journey around the world based on data received in partnership with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).  

Beginning at 6 a.m. EST on Christmas Eve, OnStar subscribers can press the blue OnStar button in their vehicles to request a "Santa Update." OnStar advisors will share Santa's whereabouts through 5 a.m. EST Christmas morning.

"It's great to provide our customers with a fun, highly informative benefit during the holidays," said Scott Kubicki, executive director, OnStar Sales, Services and Marketing. "Our advisors also enjoy hearing children's surprise and joy when they learn that St. Nick is only hours away from their home."  

For more than 54 years NORAD has used its North Warning Radar System, geo-synchronous satellites with infrared sensors and other technologies to monitor Santa's Christmas Eve travels and share the information with children and families around the world.

"We are excited that OnStar is a NORAD Tracks Santa program sponsor once again this year," said James Graybeal, deputy chief of staff for communication, Headquarters NORAD and USNORTHCOM.  "OnStar adds another layer to the program.  In addition to tracking Santa on the web or by calling in to the operations center, it's neat that you can locate Santa by pushing a button in your car, wherever you are."

Individuals without an OnStar subscription can visit www.noradsanta.org or dial 877 HI-NORAD (877-446-6723) for Santa's location.

About OnStar

OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. OnStar is available on more than 40 MY 2011 GM models. OnStar provides services to nearly six million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd., a joint venture between OnStar, LLC, Shanghai Automotive Industry Sales Co., Ltd. and Shanghai General Motors, provides services in China. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com. OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a recipient of the 2010 Edison Award for Best New Product in the technology category.

About NORAD

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a bi-national United States and Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America.  More information about NORAD and the NORAD Tracks Santa 2010 can be found at http://www.norad.mil and http:/ www.noradsanta.org

SOURCE General Motors