If your car one day talks to you, it may do so in an Israeli accent. In Ecuador, Chevrolet has introduced a “talking car” that allows the driver to use the phone, send email, ask directions, monitor vehicle function or send a distress signal - without lifting his hands from the steering wheel. The design, using the ChevyStar computer platform, is true-blue-and-white. Road Track, an Israeli firm from Tirat HaCarmel, is behind the product for Chevrolet, reports the Motorista.com.ph website. The ChevyStar system is operated by a small device, about the size of a cellular phone, attached to the rear-view mirror. There are three buttons on the device - one for emergencies, one for practical information and a third for telephone calls.
Road Track offers drivers “road attendants”, stationed at the company’s Quito offices in Ecuador, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The “attendants” have the job of helping drivers get oriented if they get lost, send help if needed or respond to other driving needs - all from the office, using detailed large screen electronic maps. If there is an emergency, indicated by the driver pressing the appropriate button, or if the driver brakes hard, or if there is a mechanical failure. The “road attendant” is then instructed to contact the driver and either ask if there is a problem, or, if needed, warn the driver of one. Secret codes and voice recognition software make the theft of the car with the system intact a near impossibility. Other Road Track/ChevyStar services include providing drivers with the latest news and entertainment information, allowing drivers to make a phone call, and receive or dictate email.
The voice-equipped Chevies have been available in cars manufactured in Ecuador for about two-and-a-half months, with other South American markets to be targeted soon. Chevrolet has a 50% market share in Ecuador - equivalent to about 200,000 vehicles - and was chosen as the marketing test-case for that reason.
Road Track offers drivers “road attendants”, stationed at the company’s Quito offices in Ecuador, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The “attendants” have the job of helping drivers get oriented if they get lost, send help if needed or respond to other driving needs - all from the office, using detailed large screen electronic maps. If there is an emergency, indicated by the driver pressing the appropriate button, or if the driver brakes hard, or if there is a mechanical failure. The “road attendant” is then instructed to contact the driver and either ask if there is a problem, or, if needed, warn the driver of one. Secret codes and voice recognition software make the theft of the car with the system intact a near impossibility. Other Road Track/ChevyStar services include providing drivers with the latest news and entertainment information, allowing drivers to make a phone call, and receive or dictate email.
The voice-equipped Chevies have been available in cars manufactured in Ecuador for about two-and-a-half months, with other South American markets to be targeted soon. Chevrolet has a 50% market share in Ecuador - equivalent to about 200,000 vehicles - and was chosen as the marketing test-case for that reason.