IntelliLink In-Car Connectivity Available on all 2013 Buicks

New call centre to help customers get familiar with infotainment system

Buick will make its IntelliLink in-car connectivity available on every 2013 model year vehicle, including the redesigned Enclave luxury crossover SUV and the all-new Encore luxury crossover. And the brand will help owners get acquainted with the advanced technology with real-time over-the-air help.

IntelliLink debuted on the 2012 Verano luxury sedan and is currently available for the Regal luxury sport sedan and LaCrosse luxury sedan. Designed to be used with two hands on the wheel as often as possible, IntelliLink’s layout was created with an emphasis on minimizing distractions. New features for 2013 integrate more functionality into the system’s voice control commands.

Owners of 2013 models can tune to a favourite station solely by voice command. Likewise, saying “More like this” while an iPod or other USB media device is playing generates a random music playlist based on the current song.

The “More like this” feature uses Gracenote media database technology to identify artist and song titles. For 2013, Gracenote’s album cover art display capability expands to include genre and artist art.

“As smartphones that stream and hold music grow ever more popular, we want to ensure Buick customers have connectivity that’s both intuitive and safe to use,” said IntelliLink lead engineer Tony Kraatz. “These updates make it easier to access the songs they love.”

Other IntelliLink updates include added features for XM satellite radio, a subscription to which is included for three months with every Buick. XM Tune Select allows drivers and passengers to tag an artist or song name, triggering an on-screen notification whenever a favourite tune plays on any XM channel.

To speed the use of IntelliLink and keep the driver’s eyes on the road, a new “Quick Info” icon allows access to the most popular features, audio info and turn-by-turn navigation. An added “Transfer to Private” icon allows a Bluetooth-paired phone call to be moved off the vehicle’s speakerphone.

In addition to upcoming in-car updates, Buick has created a support network for customers who need help familiarizing themselves with new IntelliLink technology. Based in Oshawa, Ontario the Customer Care Centre Infotainment Customer Support Team will provide one-on-one guidance for owners.

“Our next generation infotainment customer will demand a higher level of service, support and solutions due to their interactive technical experience,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick Sales and Service. “This is one more way that we are working to deliver an exceptional customer service experience.”

Dedicated specialists at CCC will be trained to provide customers the quick and thorough support they need. New 2013 Buick models will begin arriving at dealerships later this year.