An integrated audio/communication system for use in a motor vehicle includes a processing unit that selectively executes control routines/programs based upon the operational mode of the system. The system may operate in a audio playback mode, and in a telephony mode. In the audio playback mode the processing unit executes a control routine/program associated with audio playback. Whereas, in the telephony mode the processing unit executes a control routine/program associated with telephony. The operational mode of the system may be switched from audio playback to telephony, and visa versa. Selectively configuring the processing unit based upon the operational mode of the system, and allowing the system to easily transition between modes, provides a highly integrated audio/communication system for use in a motor vehicle.