Hyundai blue link plans and costs

Hyundai announced specifics about plans and pricing for its soon to be released Blue Link telematics package at the Telematics Update conference in Detroit. The system promises a broad variety of services with basic plans starting for less than half the subscription cost of competitors, according to the company.

Set to show up first on Sonata models beginning in mid-June, Blue Link will make its next appearance in the Veloster sport coupe due this fall. Hyundai says this technology will make its way into most of its models by 2013.

Like we've seen with other telematics services, such as OnStar, three levels of service will be available. Buyers will get all three free for the first three months. The basic Assurance Package will be complimentary for six months. Highlights of each are as follows:

Assurance Package, $79/year, $139/2 years

• Automatic crash notification.
  
• One button SOS emergency assistance or roadside assistance.
  
• Monthly report on vehicle system status.

Essentials Package, $179/yr, $315/2 years. Includes Assurance Package and adds:

• Voice text messaging, which converts speech to text for outgoing text messages.
  
• A downloadable mobile app that lets users access services and account information through their iPhone, Android, or Blackberry device.
  
• Remote lock, unlock, horn and lights.
  
• Location sharing to help users let friends know where they are.
  
• Service link, which lets users schedule dealer service.
  
• Geo-Fence to notify parents if their vehicle leaves a specified area, along with speed and curfew alerts.
  
• Stolen vehicle notification, slowdown, and immobilization.

Guidance Package, $279/yr, $491/2 years. Includes Assurance and Essentials Packages, plus:

• Turn-by-turn spoken and graphic directions display.
  
• Points of interest search by voice.
  
• Daily route guidance with traffic, which offers users the best option from several pre-defined routes to avoid incidents or delays.
  
• Gas station locator with prices.
  
• Eco coach to monitor driving style for best fuel mileage, and compete with other Blue Link drivers.
  
• Weather information.
  
• Restaurant ratings.

More details are available at www.HyundaiBlueLink.com

—Jim Travers