Abstract: A system and method for providing interior illumination in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system and method include provisions for adjusting the interior lighting conditions to improve visibility of the illuminated objects under different ambient lighting conditions. In some cases, the system and method can also include provisions that adjust interior lighting conditions quickly if sudden changes in ambient light are detected, to prevent flicker and/or to provide a continuously variable or continuously relative dimming.

Abstract: A passive entry system for a vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle-based communication module mounted in the vehicle and a portable communication device. The vehicle-based communication module includes a transmitter for transmitting a challenge signal to the portable communication device when in a polling state to determine a presence of the portable communication device for allowing access to the vehicle. The portable communication device includes a receiver for receiving the challenge signal and is responsive to the challenge signal when in a response state and non-responsive to the challenge signal when in a non-response state.