Combined with several other big introductions, General Motors announced at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show that it is testing a new OnStar App that will let drivers text and even update Facebook using only voice commands.

Rumors of this new services popped up several months ago, but now GM has made it official. The service is still in the test phase, and uses a voice communications app for Android mobile phones through a Bluetooth connection.

In a preview of this new feature OnStar President Chris Preuss commented that the goal is to keep drivers connected while also keeping them safe, stating that OnStar in no way wants to promote distracted driving.

In addition to this piece of news, GM has also announced that it will offer the OnStar service for non-GM vehicles starting this Spring though a partnership with Best Buy. Several other new technologies are also in the prototype stage, including a vehicle monitoring service that would let drivers see inside and around their vehicle remotely through a PC or smart phone, plus another that would even let you control the temperature and lights in your house through your car.

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

***UPDATE*** Official images and specs on the Chevy Aveo RS Show Car can be seen here ***UPDATE***

It’s certainly not much to go on, but this single teaser image at least gives us a general idea of the shape of the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo, and so far we’re impressed. The photo comes to us via GM’s VP of communications Chris Preuss on Twitter, from a meeting between GM execs and the UAW, where they previewed the new 2011 Aveo and announced that it will be built at GM’s Orion plant in Michigan.

“It’s a new day and new opportunity,” said UAW president Ron Gettelfnger.”GM will be the only company building a B-car in America. We can make this a success.” In the past Aveo models were manufactured in Korea.

Little else is known about the new Aveo, but the sporty RS trim model that is set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week is expected to feature the 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine first shown in the new Chevy Cruze. In the Cruze, this engine makes 138-hp and gets 40 mpg on the highway.

Supporting these rumors Preuss also tweeted a quote from another GM exec, saying that, “Aveo will have great performance…functionality and connectivity…leading safety and fuel economy.”

In addition, GM North America President Mark Reuss commented that, “Aveo is going to be a success.”

We’ll get our first look at the all-new sub-compact January 11th at the Detroit Auto Show.

[Source: Twitter]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Cadillac has already confirmed that the new 556-hp CTS-V Coupe will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week and now it appears as though it will be joined by a concept version of the new XTS flagship.

Cadillac has already said that a new concept car would make an appearance at the show and now Chris Preuss, VP of communications at GM, has tweeted that the XTS will make an appearance. We expect this concept to be quite close to the actual production car. Unfortunately it’s not likely to be a serious competitor with the likes of the Mercedes S-Class or Lexus LS as it won’t be offered in a rear-drive setup. Front-drive and AWD layouts are planned, however, as the car is based on the same basic architecture as the new Buick LaCrosse.

In addition, Preuss also confirmed that the new Aveo will arrive in Detroit, in sporty RS trim, which will likely get a the Cruze’s new 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with almost 140-hp and 40+ mpg on the highway. Buick will show a high-powered version of the Regal with a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 with 325-hp, while GMC will show a new MPV model, called the Granite, which is based on the upcoming Chevy Orlando.

[Source: Twitter]

The Swedish government is putting the pressure on General Motors, saying that it must make a decision this week on the sale of Saab if the deal is to go through by the end of the year. “They must at least have chosen one of the interested parties this week, otherwise it will be tough to complete a deal,” said Swedish Enterprise Ministry secretary Joran Hagglund in an interview published in the country’s daily newspaper, Svenska Dagbladet.

After the deal to sell Saab to a group led by Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg fell through a few weeks ago, GM was all but ready to give up on its loss-making Swedish brand, when Dutch exotic car maker Spyker announced its interest. Yet another long shot, Spyker always seems to be able to find cash when it needs to, even running a Formula 1 team at one point.

GM has said that if a solid buyer is identified but a deal hasn’t been secured by the company’s self-imposed year’s-end deadline that it would be willing to continue to bankroll the company. GM spokesman Chris Preuss has said that the American auto giant is willing to continue to work to find a buyer for Saab but hinted that the wait might not be a long one saying that, “a decision about Saab is going to come very soon.”

The Swedish government does, however, have a say, as does the European Investment Bank, as both parties need to investigate a buyer’s business plan before supporting the purchase.

China’s Beijing Auto (or BAIC) has also expressed an interest in Saab, but is only after the company’s tooling a technology behind the previous generation of cars in order to build those vehicles for the Chinese market. BAIC had agreed to support the Koenigsegg-led deal in exchange for those assets but when that deal fell through has offered once again to buy them.

So far, GM has had little success selling off its many brands. The company is in the process of closing its Pontiac unit but couldn’t find a buyer for the Saturn brand after a deal with the Penske Automotive Group fell through. A deal to sell Hummer to a Chinese industrial equipment manufacturer has yet to be completed.

[Source: Reuters]