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DETROIT — Owners of most new 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles won't need the key to start their vehicle if they have their smartphone with them.

On Thursday, OnStar executives indicated that owners of these General Motors models soon will be able to control key vehicle functions through applications the company is set to launch.

Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC stated they're all developing brand-specific mobile apps meant to leverage OnStar technology. The applications are intended to allow vehicle owners to activate all of the functions available on a traditional vehicle key fob — remote start, horn and lights and door lock/unlock — from their smartphones.

OnStar emphasized this means drivers should no longer have to be within a requisite distance, or even have their keys with them, to control these functions on their vehicles.

In addition, the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC apps also are geared to leverage OnStar's unique connection to the vehicle. The apps can provide key diagnostic information, including fuel tank level and range, remaining oil life, current and recommended tire pressure and lifetime average miles per gallon.

Officials explained the diagnostic information is current as of the last vehicle start, giving OnStar subscribers an up-to-date health report of their vehicle anytime they need it.

Furthermore, important vehicle information, such as current odometer reading, vehicle VIN and OnStar account number, also should be readily accessible within the apps. And should OnStar subscribers need assistance with something that the mobile apps don't provide, the company stressed they can one-touch dial specially trained advisers who are available to assist customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

After explaining some of the technical aspects, OnStar shared a couple of real-life scenarios dealers could share with potential buyers about the application capabilities.

Say an individual is racing to catch a flight and realizes at the gate that the vehicle isn't locked. OnStar's mobile app technology can allow the owner to sign into his Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick or GMC app and send a remote lock signal to the vehicle.

Or, what if if a family is attending an outdoor event on a hot summer day? The owners can remotely start their vehicle as they are leaving so it is cooled to a comfortable temperature by the time they reach it.

"Giving our customers control of their vehicles with smartphone application technology is a key advantage of OnStar's in-vehicle connectivity," noted OnStar president Chris Preuss.

"This technology empowers drivers to make decisions about their travels well before they enter the vehicle, meaning their full attention can stay where it needs to be — on the road ahead," Preuss added.

Company officials pointed out the OnStar mobile app services are expected to be available for the vast majority of vehicles in the 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC portfolios, including the just-launched Chevrolet Cruze and Cadillac CTS Coupe. They are currently functional on the iPhone and Android systems.

Furthermore, OnStar highlighted the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC mobile applications can offer a variety of other features tailored specifically for each brand's customers that can be revealed in totality when the brands begin bringing their apps to market in the months ahead.

"We're working aggressively to bring the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC applications to market as soon as possible," stressed Joel Ewanick, vice president of GM marketing.

"Because we know that each brand's customers have different tastes, wants and needs, the apps will be very specifically tailored to offer them the services they value most, leveraging these innovative OnStar features as a compelling mutual foundation," Ewanick added.

Previously, OnStar and Chevrolet announced what they considered to be the industry's first working smartphone application for the Chevrolet Volt during the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.

They reiterated the Volt mobile application is a unique app that will be available to customers in tandem with the launch of the vehicle.