Car warms while you breakfast
26 November 2002: If it's on offer in America, it won't be long before it comes our way. In this instance, it's the smart keyfob that warms up your car before you even take the top off your breakfast egg.
GM in the US is going to offer the gidget with a number of 2004 model year cars. The remote vehicle starter just needs a push on a button on your key fob and the car will start and warm up while you have that second cup of coffee.
It can also start the air conditioner, if that's the kind of climate you're living in.
Though such devices have been available as aftermarket items for years, GM will be the first carmaker to fit them as standard.
When the system's on, the vehicle doors will remain locked and the antitheft system will be alive. At any time after the remote start, you can shut the engine off with the key fob. And if you haven't put the key in the ignition within 10 minutes, the engine shuts off.
Any problems with the engine systems, and remote start won't function.