Getting lost while driving a car is now becoming an impossibility with another innovation on navigation systems from GM. General Motors Corp is set to announce an updated version of its OnStar safety and navigation system this week at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. The new version will allow users to get real-time directions while they are driving. Called Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the system will appear first on the new Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS but will gradually be introduced in other GM cars.

The new Turn-by-Turn Navigation system is a fully-integrated GPS navigation system that allows the user to request complete step-by-step directions to any destination from the live Advisor at a simple press of a button. The system adds a new measure of safety since drivers can keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road as the step-by-step directions are automatically played through the vehicle’s audio system. The system will alert the driver in case he leaves the route or misses a turn; it will then recalculate new directions based on the new location. Drivers can tape the directions and play them back when needed.

OnStar is a safety and security system exclusively for GM vehicles that feature 24 hours access to a live specially trained Advisor to help users with various safety and security issues such as air bag deployment. It also provides a connection to emergency assistance. Access to OnStar hands-free calling is also provided. Some of OnStar’s current features include tracking a stolen car, unlocking a car whenever the keys are lost or left inside and summoning emergency services in case of an accident. Currently, four million vehicles from GM are equipped with OnStar. The system will be available in 50 vehicles from GM this 2006.

The updated version is the seventh generation of the hardware in ten years. The OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation system will be available in approximately 1 million GM cars and trucks by 2007. It will be available at a lower cost than other competitive navigation systems.