Abstract: The holding device for a drinks container is designed to be installed in the center console of an automobile. It has first drinks container holder (36), which is slidable upward in a laterally oriented initial position from a withdrawn position and subsequently pivotable into a horizontally oriented upright position of use. A first pivot locking device (60,62,64,66) is provided for keeping the first drinks container holder (36) in the substantially laterally oriented initial position against the force of a pivoting spring element until it reaches an upper end position. When it reaches the upper end position, an unlocking device (68,70) is engaged which automatically unlocks the first locking device so that the first drinks container holder (36) can pivot into the horizontally oriented upright position of use. A second locking device is provided for retaining the first drinks container holder (36) in the horizontally oriented upright position of use.