Video: Remember when cellphones were a thing of the future...well, now they can unlock your car!

If you locked your keys in the car, you used to be out of luck. Or if you forgot where you parked, you had to roam around the entire parking lot until you found it. Now, for the first time, consumers will soon be able to control vehicle functions from their smartphones thanks to an expansion of OnStar's mobile app technology.  

In addition to unlocking the doors and sounding your vehicle's horn and lights, owners can quickly see their current fuel tank level and range, remaining oil life, current and recommended tire pressure and lifetime average miles-per-gallon. The diagnostic information is current as of the last engine start, giving subscribers an up-to-date health report of their vehicle, anytime they need it.  Informationsuch as current odometer reading, vehicle VIN and OnStar account number are also readily accessible.

This technology was firstdemonstrated for the Chevrolet Volt mobile app at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, and now OnStar is expanding the technology to work with the vast majority of vehicles in the 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC portfolios. The OnStar mobile features will be released to customers as part of brand-distinct mobile apps Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC are currently developing for their vehicle owners.  

Chris Preuss was appointed president, OnStar on March 1, 2010, where he is responsible for the company's worldwide infotainment and connectivity initiatives. Most recently, Preuss served as vice president, GM Communications, where he led all external and internal communications activities for the company. Preuss is a Michigan native and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science from Michigan State University.