Automotive electronics: All-electronic dashboards coming: CRT, liquid crystal, and electroluminescent displays show promise for large-area, multifunction driver information systems in future cars

Most electronic displays in today's production cars are either extra-cost options on "inexpensive" models or standard equipment on high-priced, luxury models. Like the less-expensive mechanical and electromechanical displays they replace, the electronic devices tend to be both single-function units, such as digital clocks, and fixed-format units, such as bar graphs. In these modes, the displays are not being used to their full capabilities. This restrictive environment is destined to change.