During a demonstration at the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, OnStar debuted an upgrade to its navigation features that pairs MapQuest and XM Satellite Radio with the existing services.

The partnership between OnStar and MapQuest created two new features that will become standard in 22 models produced by GM. Dubbed eNav, the system will allow owners to access directions via MapQuest and send the results to their vehicles.

The destination-download feature has been altered so that drivers are no longer required to stop to get directions. Instead, after speaking with an OnStar adviser, the turn-by-turn data and necessary maps are sent to the car.

Chet Huber, OnStar president said, "It is a broadly deployed technology that reinforces the next phase of connected navigation within GM vehicles. We believe it is a terrific augmentation to screen-based navigation capabilities that some consumers prefer today. We are committed to continue to innovate in this category."

Additionally, XM will be providing XM NavTraffic, a system to alert drivers about traffic problems on their route. It will be available to XM subscribers for the 2009 model year.

The OnStar / MapQuest partnership has been negotiated for a 60 day period at which time MapQuest will be free to engage in similar arrangements with other providers of navigation systems.

At the same demonstration, OnStar announced their plans to extend their services to China during the second half of 2009. Further, the company has set a goal of doubling its number of subscribers over the next three years.