(July 15, 2014) PALO ALTO, Calif. — Being able to stay connected, even while in the car, is a high priority for many drivers and passengers on the road today. That’s why every 2015 Buick model will come standard with Apple Siri Eyes Free and Text Message Alerts. Most 2015 Buick models will also come standard with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, powered by OnStar with 4G LTE.

“People have become accustomed to having their mobile devices with them wherever they go, and that includes their vehicle,” said Roger McCormack, Buick product director. “With standard technologies like Siri Eyes Free and Text Message Alerts, Buick provides drivers with a convenient and safe way to stay in touch while on the road.”

According to a recent Kelley Blue Book survey, 39 percent of consumers choose a vehicle to buy based on its available in-vehicle technology, including infotainment and navigation.

“Today’s shoppers are more influenced by technology and infotainment systems than ever before,” said Arthur Henry, analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “With Buick’s IntelliLink now including these standard convenience features, the brand will further be in the forefront of consumers’ minds when shopping for their next vehicle.”

Buick IntelliLink’s enhanced connectivity and convenience for 2015 includes a new Text Messaging Alerts feature for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.), which reads incoming texts through the vehicle’s speakers. It also includes Siri Eyes Free for iPhone 4s or later, with iOS 6 or later. With Siri Eyes Free, customers can ask Siri to call people, select and play music, hear and compose text messages, get directions and more. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity, to help keep phones safely stored and hands on the wheel.

In addition to icons covering everything from navigation to phone to a Pandora, internet radio interface, IntelliLink is designed to accommodate new features and enhancements and be highly customizable. It also incorporates natural language voice recognition that allows customers to safely place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do.

Complementing these IntelliLink features is OnStar with 4G LTE, which brings a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot into the vehicle. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is accessible whenever the vehicle is on or in accessory mode and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial, after which the owner can purchase additional data.

OnStar’s 4G LTE will be available on the Buick LaCrosse, Verano, Regal, and Encore for the 2015 model year and will be available on all Buick products for the 2016 model year.