Toyota finally takes on OnStar

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Toyota said today that it would introduce a safety and driver assist system this summer in some Toyota and Lexus models. Dubbed Safety Connect, the system is Toyota’s first attempt to compete with GM’s popular OnStar product.

Introduced 12 years ago, OnStar currently has 5.7 million subscribers who pay $18.95 a month and up for such services as GPS tracking to locate a stolen vehicle and a button that calls for help in case of a crash or breakdown.

Systems on Toyota and Lexus vehicles will include similar safety features. Lexus will offer additional convenience services such as voice control of some of the car’s systems, such as the satellite radio.

It won’t offer everything OnStar does, such as a remote unlocking system and hands-free calling. But the Lexus version will have a few unique twists. The eDestination feature, for instance, will allow drivers to program directions to up to 200 destinations for the navigation system through the Lexus website.

GM took the latest move by its Japanese rival in stride.

“It’s not a surprise,” OnStar President Chet Huber told the Associated Press. “Frankly, if there was a surprise, it’s: What’s taken so long for those folks to get their technology to the point where they can launch some base services?”

Toyota said it would release pricing information later.

-- Martin Zimmerman