GM: Glove compartment of the future – with a sliding tabletop for work and rest

Glovebox of the Future: GM Wants You to Eat and Work in Your Car

General Motors has developed an innovative glove box with a sliding tabletop that could significantly improve passenger comfort in a car. The patent for this device was filed in December 2023 and published in May 2025.

This clever glove compartment does more than just store small items. It has a built-in pull-out table that turns into a convenient work surface. This is especially useful for those who often drive long distances. The tabletop can be folded when not in use to save space, and unfolded when needed to create a large work surface.

GM envisions this new glove box as a way for passengers to work, eat, or even use a tablet while driving. Some versions of the unit use an electric mechanism that allows the drawer and countertop to slide in and out automatically or manually.

The system is integrated into the vehicle's dashboard and does not take up additional space.

Impressive ergonomics

The design of the glove compartment includes a special storage area that can move up and down, opening access to the tabletop. The drawer itself can rotate, opening access to a traditional storage compartment.