What is the box in the middle of a car called?
3 Answers
The box in the middle of a car is called a center console. The car center console is an automotive accessory installed between the two seats, belonging to the car interior system. Its humanized design intention is to allow the car driver to place their arms during long drives, enabling effective arm rest to prevent soreness and stiffness. With the continuous development of manufacturing technology and the continuous improvement of production processes, the center console has also gained storage functions, such as storing small items like drinks and cups, allowing the driver to easily access these items when needed. There are two types of center console boxes, one for the front seats and another for the rear seats. The front seat console box also includes additional functions like cup holders and storage compartments. The rear center console box is generally retractable. Center console classifications: There are two main types of modified center consoles commonly found on the market: one is an engineering plastic center console assembled from one-time molded plastic parts, and the other is a handcrafted center console combining wood and plastic, with a surface mainly wrapped in sponge and leather. Engineering plastic center console: The engineering plastic center console mainly uses ABS resin as the primary raw material and is roughly divided into three parts: the main console box, the middle connecting trapezoidal box, and the base. Its characteristics include high production volume, convenient material sourcing, resulting in lower costs and affordable prices, making it widely sold in the market. Handcrafted center console: The handcrafted center console uses environmentally friendly high-density board as the frame, supplemented by injection-molded parts and metal components. Its appearance design is human-centered, not only improving driving practicality but also showcasing outstanding aesthetic appeal.
When driving, I always habitually stuff my phone and miscellaneous items into that small space in the middle, which feels very convenient. Its official name is the center console, mainly designed for easy storage. Located between the two front seats, it allows drivers to access items like loose change, documents, or snacks effortlessly while driving. Some car models feature quite refined center console designs with latches or compartments to prevent items from moving around. I remember once during a long trip, I used it to store snacks and headphones, saving me the hassle of rummaging through my bag. Just a reminder—don’t place overly heavy items in it to avoid the lid not popping up properly. Overall, it’s a very practical car interior design that enhances driving comfort.
Those with some knowledge of car design may have noticed a box-like compartment in the middle of the center console, which we in the industry uniformly refer to as the center armrest box. It's not just for storage; some vehicles even incorporate a resting function, making it more comfortable to place your arm. Designs vary across different brands—luxury cars might feature genuine leather upholstery, while economy family sedans often use durable plastic materials. In daily use, it's incredibly convenient for storing items like maps, sunglasses, or power banks. At a car enthusiasts' gathering once, everyone discussed the multifunctionality of this compartment, such as variants with cooling or heating features. It's advisable to keep it clean to avoid stains or scratches, thereby extending its lifespan.
