Abstract: A vehicle communication system and method of improving location services for a user in a vehicle are described. The method includes the steps of: receiving at a backend system a first message from the vehicle based on a determination of a malicious attack associated with global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data received by the vehicle; receiving from a wireless carrier system (WCS) location data associated with a position of the vehicle; providing the location data to the vehicle from the backend system in response to the receipt of the first message; receiving a second message from the vehicle indicating that the malicious attack is no longer viable; and in response to receiving the second message, ceasing to provide the location data from the backend system.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system and method of improving location services for a user in a vehicle are described.

Abstract: A method for starting a motor vehicle includes recognizing an engine on event of the motor vehicle at a powertrain control module in communication with a vehicle bus system operatively disposed in the motor vehicle. In response to recognizing the engine on event, an authentication request is transmitted from a verification module to a device having an electronic pattern-entry user interface. The method further includes receiving an entered pattern entered on the electronic pattern-entry user interface, and recognizing, by an authentication system, that the entered pattern is an authenticated pattern. In response to the recognizing that the entered pattern is the authenticated pattern, an authenticated engagement command is transmitted to the powertrain control module to instruct the powertrain control module to enter into an engaged state, the engaged state electrically enabling the powertrain control module to provide tractive power to a vehicle drive wheel.

Abstract: A system and method(s) for conserving vehicle power when a primary power system of a vehicle is powered down during a voice call. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving an indication that the vehicle's primary power system is powered down during the voice call; (b) after a predetermined period of time, determining whether to power down a secondary power system associated with a vehicle telematics system; (c) when it is determined that the secondary power system should be powered down, powering down the secondary power system; and (d) when it is determined that the secondary power should not be powered down, waiting the predetermined period of time before again determining whether to power down the secondary power system. The determination of steps (b) and (d) include detecting an absence of voice activity during the predetermined period of time of steps (b) or (d).

Abstract: A method for starting a motor vehicle includes recognizing an engine on event of the motor vehicle at a powertrain control module in communication with a vehicle bus system operatively disposed in the motor vehicle. In response to recognizing the engine on event, an authentication request is transmitted from a verification module to a device having an electronic pattern-entry user interface. The method further includes receiving an entered pattern entered on the electronic pattern-entry user interface, and recognizing, by an authentication system, that the entered pattern is an authenticated pattern. In response to the recognizing that the entered pattern is the authenticated pattern, an authenticated engagement command is transmitted to the powertrain control module to instruct the powertrain control module to enter into an engaged state, the engaged state electrically enabling the powertrain control module to provide tractive power to a vehicle drive wheel.

Abstract: A start system includes a vehicle bus system disposed in a motor vehicle. A powertrain control module is connected to the vehicle bus system. The powertrain control module includes an engaged state electrically enabling the powertrain control module to provide tractive power to a vehicle drive wheel, and a disengaged state electrically inhibiting the powertrain control module from providing tractive power to the vehicle drive wheel or another vehicle drive wheel. An authentication system is in communication with the vehicle bus system and with an electronic pattern-entry user interface. The authentication system is responsive to an entered pattern entered on the interface while the powertrain control module is in a current instance of the disengaged state. The powertrain control module enters the engaged state only in response to an authenticated engagement command communicated from the authentication system to the powertrain control module in response to authenticating the entered pattern.

Abstract: A method of configuring a vehicle-generated wireless connectivity hotspot is provided. The method adjusts a variable power setting for a vehicle onboard wireless transmitter, the vehicle onboard wireless transmitter generating the wireless connectivity hotspot; wherein the wireless connectivity hotspot comprises a variable transmission range, and wherein the variable transmission range is based on the variable power setting.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a body having a front end, a rear end, a first side extending between the front end and the rear end and a second, opposing side extending between the front end and the rear end. A side view mirror is mounted at the body. The side view mirror includes a reflective surface and a video display arranged behind the reflective surface. The side view mirror is selectively adjustable to provide a view along the first side. A camera is mounted at the body and operatively connected to the video display. The camera is configured and disposed to provide a first side rear view behind the rear end to the video display.

Abstract: A start system includes a vehicle bus system disposed in a motor vehicle. A powertrain control module is connected to the vehicle bus system. The powertrain control module includes an engaged state electrically enabling the powertrain control module to provide tractive power to a vehicle drive wheel, and a disengaged state electrically inhibiting the powertrain control module from providing tractive power to the vehicle drive wheel or another vehicle drive wheel. An authentication system is in communication with the vehicle bus system and with an electronic pattern-entry user interface. The authentication system is responsive to an entered pattern entered on the interface while the powertrain control module is in a current instance of the disengaged state. The powertrain control module enters the engaged state only in response to an authenticated engagement command communicated from the authentication system to the powertrain control module in response to authenticating the entered pattern.