Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. will start offering telematic services in December this year in selected models built by Shanghai GM.

The move will make China the first country outside North America to offer OnStar, according to GM China.

Shanghai OnStar will partner with China Telecom Corp., a state-owned telecom service provider, to offer OnStar's trademark in-vehicle safety, security and communication services similar to those currently available in the United States and Canada.

The services will include automatic crash response, roadside assistance, remote door unlock, turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle diagnostics and hands-free calling, says Betty Tian of the public relations department of GM China.

OnStar expects to gradually expand its range of services in line with the growth of its partnership networks in China and the demands of local users, according to GM China.

Established in 2007, Shanghai OnStar is a joint venture between GM subsidiary OnStar, Shanghai Automotive Industry Sales Co. and Shanghai GM. 

Shanghai Automotive Industry Sales Co. is a subsidiary of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. while Shanghai GM is a joint venture between SAIC and GM.