Abstract: A stowable container holding assembly (10) for a vehicle. The assembly (10) includes a carrier (12) mounted in a vehicle support structure. A tray (18) having a container receptacle (22) is supported by and moveable with respect to the carrier (12). A motor (34) receives energy and converts it to motion. The motion is transmitted to the tray (18) and drives the tray (18) through an actuation assembly (32) between a retracted stowed position and an extended use position. The motor (34) is activated by a switch (48). Movement of the tray (18) is limited by a plurality limit switches (50). When the tray (18) is in the extended position, a lamp (62) is illuminated, and sensors (58) detect the presence of an object in the receptacles (22) and will not permit the tray (18) to return to the stowed position if an object is present. The tray (18) can be moved between the stowed and use positions manually in the event of power failure.