Electronic Messaging System and Method For A Vehicle

A messaging system for a vehicle, the system comprising:

• a user input device having a touch-screen and a microphone;
• a
• a set of wireless connectivity hardware (WCH);
• and
• a controller in communication with the set of WCH for exchanging electronic mail (e-mail) messages with a remote source;
• wherein the controller is operable for receiving an incoming electronic mail (e-mail) message containing a first text message from the remote source, for displaying the first text message on the touch screen, for selectively translating the first text message into speech which is audible by an occupant positioned within the vehicle, and for transmitting an outgoing electronic message to the remote source in the form of a second e-mail message.

A method for exchanging electronic messages between a vehicle having a user input device and a remote source, the method comprising:

• recording an outgoing message using the user input device;
• generating an outgoing electronic mail (e-mail) message containing the outgoing message;
• and
• transmitting the outgoing e-mail message to the remote source;
• wherein recording an outgoing message includes at least one of recording a voice message of an occupant of the vehicle as a first electronic file and recording a handwritten trace generated by the occupant as a second electronic file.