System and method for communicating with a vehicle

A method of authorizing a vehicle operation of a vehicle, the vehicle including a vehicle system capable of controlling the vehicle operation, the method comprising:

• receiving a plurality of beacon signals in a portable device, the portable device being separate from the vehicle, the plurality of beacon signals being transmitted from the vehicle;
• determining, based on reception of the beacon signals, location information related to the portable device relative to the vehicle;
• based on the location information, communicating an authorization code to the vehicle authorizing the vehicle to perform the vehicle operation.

A portable device for communicating with a vehicle, the vehicle including one or more transmitters configured to transmit at least one beacon signal, the vehicle including a vehicle system capable of controlling the vehicle operation, the portable device comprising:

• a receiver configured to receive the at least one beacon signal transmitted from the one or more transmitters of the vehicle;
• a controller configured to determine, based on the at least one beacon signal received by said receiver, location information regarding a location of said portable device relative to the vehicle, said controller configured to communicate an authorization code to the vehicle based on said location information.