1. A speech recognition method, comprising: storing multiple recognition models for a vocabulary set, each model classified according to a Lombard cluster, wherein each model is distinguishable from the other models based on a Lombard characteristic, the Lombard characteristic representing changes in an utterance pitch and volume in the presence of background noise; detecting at least one speaker utterance in a motor vehicle; selecting, via a processing device, one of the multiple recognition models in response to a Lombard characteristic of the at least one speaker utterance; utilizing the selected recognition model to recognize the at least one speaker utterance; and providing a signal in response to the recognition.