invention esc 30 located on the cabin side of firewall 92 communicates with engine controller 20 transmission controller 16 and anti lock brake system 22 and gauge display 14 primarily over serial data link 18 selected bi state switches in engine controller 20 transmission controller 16 and abs 22 may be controlled or monitored over serial data link 52 serial data link 42 provides communication between four dependent controllers or remote interface modules on which esc 30 implements an air solenoid drive 40 d a hydraulic solenoid drive 40 e a non specified controller 40 f and a controller for remote lamps 40 g esc 30 is directly connected to heater controls 75 steering wheel switches 71 and a driver control module 73 handling a plurality of other switches the direct interfaces implemented by esc 30 are also functionally defined by configuration programming fig5 illustrates a possible physical layer for a vehicle control system including an esc 30 a plurality of rims 40 and a plurality of autonomous controllers on a truck 13 one rim 40 is located at the exterior of cab 113 providing a plurality of interfaces in the rear portion of truck 13 a coach or vehicle body builder can define the interfaces to control a variety of optional or accessory equipment the coach or vehicle body builder uses programming specifications to design a configuration data base to give the dependent controller functionality a second rim 40 may be positioned forward of the fire wall 92 on vehicle 13 so positioned the second rim 40 is conveniently situated to equipment added to the front end of a vehicle such as special lights or a positionable plow the invention enables implementation of.