In the U.S., General Motors and OnStar have been awarded bronze and silver Edison Awards, as result of the automaker’s landfill-free program and OnStar’s Family Link service.
OnStar’s Family Link, is an opt-in service allowing OnStar subscribers to stay connected to loved ones using location-based data. Subscribers can visit the Family Link website to view a map with their vehicle’s location and even set up email or text notifications alerting them of its whereabouts. Family Link gives subscribers peace of mind, whether it’s checking on the progress of young drivers or staying updated on family members who may be driving during inclement weather. Since it was introduced last April, more than 23,000 OnStar subscribers have signed up to Family Link. Users send a combined total of more than 800,000 text and email location alerts each month.
As for its landfill-free program, GM says it recycles 90 per cent of its global manufacturing waste and now has 105 landfill-free locations that recycle, reuse and convert waste to energy from daily operations. The automaker has also developed “The Business Case for Zero Waste,” a blueprint which offers tips for organizations seeking to reduce their own waste footprint.
“These awards reaffirm our ability to lead in the transformation of the automotive industry with a commitment to innovation that benefits our customers around the globe,” remarked Jon Lauckner, GM’s chief technology officer and vice-president of Global Research & Development.
The Edison awards, named after famed inventor Thomas Edison honour those that have developed game-changing processes, products and services. Nominees are judged by a panel of 3,000 academics and business executives on a variety of criteria, including concept, delivery, impact and value.
