GM: New Generation Vehicles To Be More 'Connected'

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - General Motors moving forward with a plan to make their new generation vehicles more "connected" to customers.

Speaking on this week's investor conference call, Phil Abram, GM's Chief Infotainment Officer, said they're focusing more on key features such as remote key fobs on smartphones, product apps and 4G broadband service.

Abram said that more connectivity will also man more opportunities for GM to tap into new revenue streams.

"We know that those connected services drive consideration rates," Abram said. "We know that new things such as the remote link key fob service is appreciated by customers and influences how they think about their next purchase."

Abram said these new technologies also work for parents looking to keep their kids entertained in the car.

"The notion of being able to take that long trip; have the kids be able to take their iPads," Abram said. "Have them be able to enjoy the streaming services in the backseat as they take that long trip is very attractive to people."

Abram said they plan to offer 4G broadband technology in vehicles beginning in mid-2014 using AT&T.