Future driver information systems will consist of a plurality of information components containing the classic instrumentation like instrument cluster, radio and trip computers, but also new components like car telephones, navigation systems and even TV. This development leads firstly to a new kind of instrument cluster design and secondly to a rather high resolution graphical display, located in the central console region. To best use the display capabilities for all functions and to have an extendable system, the components will be connected by a multiplex wiring system. In order to reduce driver distraction, secondary information from the new components will be displayed near to the primary field of vision of the driver either in the instrument cluster and/or with a head-up display. This paper also focuses on the ergonomic demands of such a system and offers some practical solutions.
