<p>A communication system (10) for communicating with a vehicle (12) via a wireless personal communication device (28) such as a smart phone. The communication system (10) uses medium-range transceivers (22) to extend the effective range of the communication system (10). A communication device accessory (34) that includes a portable medium-range RF transceiver (38) is coupled to the wireless personal communication device (28) so that power for the portable medium-range RF transceiver (38) can be drawn from the wireless personal communication device (28). The communication device accessory (34) is electrically coupled to the wireless personal communication device (28) via a wired connection that provides at least a wired electrical power connection and optionally a wired data connection between the communication device accessory (34) and the wireless personal communication device (28).</p>
