It is where you place your remote if there is a problem and you can't get the car to start. I'm guessing that is where the receiver for the fob signal is located, and so if the battery is weak, the fob can still be detected.
Interesting, on my 2013 that spot is located on the steering column where the ignition key would go if not push button to start. I know the fusion and other models have it inside the console.
