May 30 -- General Motors has done a good job of showing how telematics systems, such as OnStar, can be a great safety feature.
OnStar's commercials, which use actual calls from subscribers, are emotional tributes to the technology and the people who make it work.
Now, Mercedes-Benz plans to add a new service to its telematics system, known as Tele Aid. Mercedes owners with Tele Aid will get a feature that connects immediately to the driver's preferred dealership using voice recognition technology.
So on all those occasions when you absolutely must talk to your dealership, all you need to do is press the button and say "dealer." The call center will patch you right through.
Now that's a comforting thought. And it ought to make some real heart-rending commercials.
