a console and method of installing a console for a motor vehicle or the like including a passenger cabin . the console includes an accessory module for use by occupants of the vehicle and has a housing with fasteners adapted to mount the console within the vehicle cabin . a chamber having an open side is formed in the console and receives an accessory module . at least a portion of the housing comprises an expanded polymeric material , preferably expended polypropylene , to provide a soft surface within the vehicle cabin . a decorative skin covers a surface of the housing that confronts the vehicle cabin in another embodiment