Abstract: A method of monitoring a vehicle. The method includes the steps of establishing a first wireless connection between a first portable wireless device and a vehicle communications system thereby creating a data transfer network between the first portable wireless device and the vehicle communications system, monitoring, by the vehicle communications system, at least one sensor for a specific vehicle activity, and if the specific vehicle activity occurs, sending a notification via the wireless connection from the vehicle communications system to the first portable wireless device via the data transfer network.

Abstract: A method of commanding a vehicle to perform a task. The method includes the steps of establishing a first wireless connection between a first wireless device and a vehicle communications system creating a data transfer network between the first wireless device and the vehicle communications system, transmitting a command from the first wireless device to the vehicle communications system via the data transfer network, receiving the command at the vehicle communications system, and instructing, by the vehicle communications system, an appropriate vehicle system to perform a task based upon the command.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a vehicle. The method includes the steps of establishing a first wireless connection between a first portable wireless device and a vehicle communications system thereby creating a data transfer network between the first portable wireless device and the vehicle communications system, monitoring, by the vehicle communications system, at least one sensor for a specific vehicle activity, and if the specific vehicle activity occurs, sending a notification via the wireless connection from the vehicle communications system to the first portable wireless device via the data transfer network.

Abstract: A system for wireless device based vehicle communications. The system includes a vehicle electronics bus, at least one or more vehicle electrical systems electrically connected to the vehicle electrical bus, a monitoring and control system electrically connected to the vehicle bus, at least one sensor electrically connected to the monitoring and control system, and a wireless transceiver electrically connected to the monitoring and control system wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to transmit vehicle information from the monitoring and control system to a wireless device and to receive instructions from the wireless device.