OnStar, a subsidiary of U.S.-based auto giant General Motors Corp, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp Group and Shanghai General Motors Corp Ltd on Oct. 29 launched a joint venture in Shanghai, OnStar's first venture outside of North America.

The JV, called Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co Ltd, will be activated and fully operational in China in December. It will provide a range of OnStar's trademark in-vehicle safety, security and communication services, including advanced automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, hands-free calling, vehicle diagnostics and turn-by-turn navigation.

OnStar services will initially be available exclusively to buyers of select Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet vehicles produced by Shanghai GM.

OnStar and Shanghai Automotive Industry Sales Co Ltd, a subsidiary of SAIC, each own 40% of the newly-established JV. Shanghai GM owns the remaining 20%.

Founded in 1995, OnStar is the global leader in telematics and has more than 5.6 million customers. The company will play an important role at the SAIC-GM Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, where visitors will see a vision for personal transportation in the year 2030.