Hello Sascha Pypke,

A really bright display can be made from Vacuum Fluorescent Display's(VFD's). They interface about the same way seven segments do. You can purchase some low cost samples (Futaba M202SD08 $15/ea) at the following web site.

http://www.comtechabq.com/hamradio/.../6570.html

There is another web site which explains how these devices work which can be found at

http://www.noritake-itron.com/SubPages/...perapn.htm

VFD are perfect for automobile use because they tend to be piggy on current consumption and are not very good for portable (battery) devices.

Regards,

Charles Bannister