A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle GPS coordinates. The processor is also configured to compare the received GPS coordinates to known device coordinates. Further, the processor is configured to page a vehicle computing system, requesting connection, if the vehicle coordinates and the known device coordinates are within a predetermined proximity and connect to the vehicle upon receipt of a response message from the vehicle.

Various systems and methods are presented regarding incorporating connected/smart vehicle technology into a legacy system vehicle. A smart key can be communicatively coupled to a digital/electronic interface, wherein the key and the interface are co-located on a vehicle. One or more portable devices (e.g., one or more cellphones) can be configured to communicate with the interface and, accordingly, operate the vehicle in a manner similar to if the key was in the possession of an entity wanting to gain access/operate the vehicle. Prior to initiating operation of the vehicle, the respective portable devices can be synchronized/authenticated to enable the respective portable device to access and command operation of the interface and the co-located key.

Systems and methods for keyed control consoles for agricultural machines or vehicles are provided. Various aspects include a control system configured for guiding an agricultural machine. The control system includes a control console within a cab of the agricultural machine, the control console including a display, one or more input elements, and a wireless communications interface. The control system also includes a wireless device configured to be carried or worn by a user of the agricultural machine. The wireless communications interface is configured to detect the wireless device within a predetermined distance of the agricultural machine, and configured to initiate a startup sequence of the control console upon detecting the wireless device within the predetermined distance.

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle. According to forms of the invention, it is envisaged that for starting up the vehicle by means of a mobile electronic device carried by a user, the user will gain access to the vehicle by localizing the mobile electronic device by means of Bluetooth RSSI and by performing a first operating action of the user on the exterior of the vehicle. Starting the drive motor of the vehicle is carried out by a user of the mobile electronic device in the vehicle as a vehicle occupant by performing a second operating action of the user in the interior of the vehicle on the mobile electronic device and/or with the mobile electronic device.

A method for controlling access to a motor vehicle includes receiving an assignment ID relating to a mobile device and initiating an assignment procedure of a shared vehicle key for a user of the motor vehicle based on the received assignment ID, wherein the shared vehicle key is derived from a digital vehicle key for the motor vehicle.

A method for controlling an access to a motor vehicle comprises a transmission of a first command message with respect to an administrative access to a digital vehicle key for the motor vehicle, which key is saved on a memory card; a reception and relaying of a forward message of a message exchange; a reception and relaying of a return message of the message exchange; and a reception of a confirmation message with respect to the administrative access executed.