In an automotive

Automobile

An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...

 context, an armrest (or arm rest) is a feature found in many modern vehicles on which occupants can rest their arms. Armrests are also found on chair

Chair

A chair is a stable, raised surface used to sit on, commonly for use by one person. Chairs are most often supported by four legs and have a back; however, a chair can have three legs or could have a different shape depending on the criteria of the chair specifications. A chair without a back or...

s in general.

Armrests are more prolific in larger, more expensive models of car.

Front

In the front of the car, a central armrest, which commonly folds away based on user preference, will also often include a storage compartment and sometimes even cup holders. Some also provide the location for controls for non-essential functions of the vehicle, such as climate control or window motors.
The central armrest are built in strong plastic material and have a soft pad covered in textile or leather. Examples of front central armrests athttp://www.armrests.com or woodcompany.com, armster.info or botecdesign.co.uk

Sometimes one or two armrests may also be attached to each individual seat, a feature commonly found in minivan

Minivan

Minivan is a type of van designed for personal use. Minivans are typically either two-box or one box designs for maximum interior volume – and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, or a station wagon....

s (MPVs) and some SUVs.

Frequently there is a further armrest built into the door of the car, often forming part of the door pulling handle.

Rear

A rear arm-rest will typically fold away between the back seats

Car seat

A car seat is the chair used in automobiles. Most car seats are made from inexpensive but durable material in order to withstand as much use as possible.-Ergonomy: Lumbar and thigh support:...

, to allow for the central (third) seating place to be used.

In some designs where occupant safety is emphasised, including some Volvo

Volvo Cars

Volvo Car Corporation, or Volvo Personvagnar AB, is a Swedish automobile manufacturer founded in 1927, in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Volvo was originally formed as a subsidiary company to the ball bearing maker SKF. When Volvo AB was introduced on the Swedish...

 models, the armrest doubles as a child seat, complete with specially adjustable seatbelt.

As with the front, it is not unusual to have armrests built into rear doors, or the side of the car if there is no rear door.