An information providing device for a vehicle, comprising an in-car device having a display unit for displaying vehicle state information and a first control means for activating the display unit; and an external device having a second control for outputting external information. The display unit has a first display area for displaying predetermined information, and a second display area for displaying other information. The first control implements a first display mode for displaying the vehicle state information and a second display mode for displaying the vehicle state information and the external information. In the second display mode, the first control means activates the display unit so that the external information is displayed in the second display area.