A vehicle that includes in-vehicle controller(s) coupled to an external network transceiver, and configured to register a key fob and/or a mobile device configured as a key fob. The transceiver is configured to communicate autonomously with remote servers to respond to a key fob signal received from the server, which includes an authentication code and a remote control command generated by the key fob and/or mobile device configured as the key fob. In further variations, the key fob is also configured to be paired and/or registered by an external mobile device, by the authentication code, and to generate the remote control command via the mobile device. In response to the key fob signal, the controller(s) autonomously adjust vehicle systems, such as locking or unlocking, arming and disarming a security system, adjusting cabin and/or seat temperature and configuration preferences, as well as other driver vehicle preferences.