Subject: Change in the GM Nav Disc Update Program

Models: All 2008 models with factory-installed, in-vehicle navigation -- either standard or optional (Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS, XLR, Escalade, Escalade EXT, Escalade ESV – Hummer H2 and H3 – Buick Lucerne and Enclave – Pontiac Grand Prix and Torrent – Saturn Outlook and Relay – GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Envoy, and Acadia – Chevy Silverado, Avalanche, Tahoe, Suburban, Trailblazer, Equinox, Uplander, and Corvette)

The program previously included two free DVD map updates for customers who purchased a GM vehicle with a factory navigation system, installed when the vehicle was built.

The program has been modified for the 2008 model year and beyond. Free DVD map updates are no longer included. This does not affect the original DVD map disc which is provided with the new vehicle. This also does not affect the owners of 2006 and 2007 model year vehicles with factory in-vehicle navigation. Those owners are still eligible to obtain a free update or updates.

DVD map updates will continue to be offered by the GM Nav Disc Center. The data on the DVD map disc ages at a rate of 15-20% per year. As the data ages, the functionality of the navigation system declines. The DVD map updates are available annually at the beginning of the new model year.

The GM Nav Disc Center can be contacted for both disc orders or for assistance with nav system operation. Order discs via the website, www.gmnavdisc.com, or by phone, 1-877-NAV-DISC (1-877-628-3472). Contact information for the Center is also included in the Navigation Owner's Manual Supplement (in the glovebox) and on the face of the DVD disc included with the new vehicle.

 

So, let's see if I have this straight - for MY 2008 and beyond, there will be no free updated nav discs? Are they still planning on charging $199 for each new disc? If so, that is a total ripoff and seriously degrades the advantage of going with the factory nav system (the only other advantage being its integration with the HUD). Why is GM doing this? Are they pushing the turn-by-turn OnStar setup instead?

 

That would be my guess. BUT... does the OnStar help really do turn by turn or do they just input the route into your nav unit just as you could do manually? If the latter then an out of date map would still produce incorrect routing.

I really don't understand their thinking. The cost of making a DL DVD copy is trivial. Why not increase the cost of the nav system by $100 and give free annual updates for the life of the system? Charge the map R&D to the number of additional Nav systems they would sell.

 

that is going to put a crimp on getting Factory Nav system on any future GM products I purchase. With my Boat and Portable GPS units I get FREE downloads and updates.

 

So in essence the "real" cost of a comparably equipped 2008 C6 vs an 07 was just increased by $399 in addition to any MSRP increase.

GM must be in worse shape financially than we have been lead to believe.

Tom

 

Well, that about does it. I'm keeping my 2007 and NOT trading up for a 2008

 

sorry for the two threads guys...I posted and then Ken posted 30 minutes after it. We are just trying to keep you informed

 

No doubt they are in bad shape. But its probably some bean counter that decided that those that can afford the overpriced NAV can afford to buy the updates.

 

We appreciate your info, and we understand that you don't get to make these kinds of decisions.

But...
"GM, still going the extra mile to **** off their customers"

 

That's okay. Both you and Ken can give GM our feedback. I had an 05 with no free upgrades, and now have an 08 on order - still no free upgrades for me.

I am continuously amazed at how GM fails to understand how to achieve customer loyalty. I guess that's why my daily driver is a M45 Infiniti instead of a Cadillac STS (direct competitor to my Infiniti).

 

Just bend over becuase here comes GM again, doesn't that just make you want to by another GM product.

 

I just contacted them today to change my mailing address. Since I own a 2006 C6 I was advised I am entitled to 2 free upgrades and I can take them when ever I want.