- Hyundai said on Thursday that its Blue Link system, the Korean automaker's first vehicle telematics system, will be priced between $79-$279 for a one-year service agreement, undercutting Ford Sync and GM's OnStar.
- Hyundai's Blue Link will debut in mid-June on the 2012 Sonata sedan, followed by the Hyundai Veloster in the fall.
- Hyundai said Blue Link will be offered across the majority of the lineup by 2013.
NOVI, Mich. — Hyundai said on Thursday that its Blue Link system, the Korean automaker's first vehicle telematics system, will be priced between $79-$279 for a one-year service agreement, undercutting Ford Sync and GM's OnStar.
In comparison, GM's OnStar system ranges in price from $199-$299 per year, according to OnStar.com. Ford's Sync system is standard equipment on many high-series models, such as the Ford Edge Limited, according to Syncmyride.com. But on models where Sync is optional, it is priced at $395.
The Hyundai system offers a range of services, including an "eco coach" that improves efficient driving and a "geofence" function that sends a text if a driver has "ventured outside of prescribed borders of time constraints."
The system was developed for Hyundai by ATX, which provides similar telematics systems for BMW and Toyota.
The basic Blue Link Assurance package bundles automatic collision notification and assistance, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and a monthly reporting of vehicle systems' status.
The uplevel Blue Link Guidance package includes such features as the eco coach and turn-by-turn navigation service.
Hyundai is offering a complimentary Blue Link service period for six months with the Assurance package and for three months with the Guidance package.
Inside Line says: Will Hyundai kick off a price war when it comes to in-vehicle communications systems?
Add A Comment »
almprin06 says:
10:14 AM, 06/27/2011
One thing is clear:
Hyundai is running marathons while Honda is still sleeping.
typography says:
02:32 PM, 06/11/2011
Hyundai is the new Toyota. No matter what they do they will somehow be "better".
phill1 says:
01:42 PM, 06/11/2011
All this noise about Blue Link, On Star, and Ford`s Sync maybe history in its present form very shortly. The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration and the Secretary of Transportation just posted they they intend to put drastic limits on "Smart Car Technology" which tends to distract drivers. They have stated that Smart Phones Technology will not be embraced to transform itself into so called "Smart Car Technology" regardless of the fact that its a desired Consumer driven product. Ok, now stop texting, tweeting, and simply hang up and stay within your damn lane and drive at the posted speed limit!
usa1 says:
06:51 AM, 06/11/2011
Nice to see some price competition here. I have a G8 and let the 6 month OnStar run out since I thought it was overpriced.
l454s says:
01:11 AM, 06/11/2011
Agree with ed124c, AFAIK Ford Sync is a "no charge" on my Mustang. How are we comparing these systems?
ed124c says:
03:57 PM, 06/10/2011
I think this article is a bit bewildering. The Ford Sync system is either part of a specific model or is an option. But there is no yearly charge, as far as I know.
OnStar is standard equipment, but there is a yearly charge.
So, how is Hyundai undercutting Ford, when the usage is free once it has been purchased? Or am I not understanding this.
Sounds like Hyundai is competing with OnStar, not Sync.