Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo [VIDEO]

Mitsubishi Motors, a company with a spectacular history in races like the Dakar Rally and World Rally Championships (WRC), has developed a special concept model for Vision Gran Turismo: This is the "Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo".

In the development of this special concept model, Mitsubishi Motors introduced their design team, Advanced Vehicle Research and Development Group, and Aerodynamic Engineering Development Group into this project in the same process they would normally follow to plan and develop real motorsports vehicles.

The styling of the car follows the basic concepts of the "MITSUBISHI Concept XR-PHEV" shown at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, while pouring in know-how gained from years of motorsports experience into its every detail. The result was the evolution of the concept into a stoic racing machine.

The "Athlete Form" design concept was advanced further, emphasizing the driving features aggressively. The iconic front grill is a study of next generation Mitsubishi automobiles, and the shape that forms a wedge starting from the triple diamond mark is designed in the image of an athlete at crouching position on a starting line, evoking an intense image of tension and potential.

Utilizing advanced development technology from the Plug-in Hybrid EV System, the spontaneous power of the motor and powerful torque of the engine is transmitted through an 8 speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) to drive the 4 wheels. It's overwhelming drive performance is controlled precisely with the S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system that distributes the drive force optimally to the 4 wheels, producing a handling characteristic that moves the car exactly as the driver desires.

In addition, the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) body reduces weight and greatly contributes to its agility, and the downforce produced by the aerodynamic form of the front and rear diffusers produces excellent cornering performance. The large diameter 20 inch aluminum wheels gives an impression of a tough suspension system, and the powerful appearance of the front and rear fenders is in the image of toned muscles of a powerful athlete.

Read more »

Fantastic Finds: Cool and Comfy Office Chairs Under $200

You don't have to spend a bundle to be comfortable at work! In today's article we'll highlight 5 of the coolest and most ergonomically correct office chairs on the market under $200. These seating solutions from industry leading brands offer the support and style needed for creating out of this world office environments designed for peak performance.

First up, the 11641B Managers Chair with Mesh Back by Offices To Go. This trendy chair offers standard features that include adjustable arms, a scuff resistant base, pneumatic seat height adjustment, and a tilt tension control feature. The 11641B is truly an excellent value at only $169.99.


When it comes to superior comfort and style, ergonomic chairs by Eurotech Seating are ahead of the curve. This cutting edge manufacturer prides themselves on creating value priced seating solutions with innovative design qualities. Adjustable task chairs like the FT5551 from the Mystic collection offer the perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication. A great choice for both home and business needs, this Mystic series chair priced at $144.50 is hard to beat!

Any interior designer will tell you, the retro look is in! That being said, comfort is of top priority. The GO-1297H-HIGH-BK-GG leather office chair by Flash Furniture is the perfect way to fit both of these demands. This contemporary leather office chair with polished frame features offers a unique back stitching patter that is sure to wow guests while accenting your office space to perfection. At only $161.99, this Flash Furniture product has been selling like hot cakes and makes an excellent addition to professional meeting areas where seating budgets are typically limited. The GO-1297H-HIGH-BK-GG chair is also a perfect fit for executive office applications. Not loving the black? No problem! This super cool chair is also available in white leather to take your space over the top.

A high quality leather executive chair for only $189.99? Offices To Go has really outdone themselves with their 11618B model! This overstuffed ergonomic seating solution features an abundance of padding in all the right places. The 11618B features a loop arm design that offers a touch of sophistication for executive office areas and conference room spaces. Standard features include an integrated head rest, single position tilt lock with tilt tension adjustment, pneumatic seat height adjustment, and padded armrests.

Luxury, sophistication, and comfort are the best 3 words to describe the Verona series tufted back office chair from Eurotech Seating. At only $186.00, this high quality seating solution is far more impressive than chairs at nearly 3 times the price. Eurotech has really set the bar high with this one! The Verona offers a unique loop arm design with elegant back stitching. This LE4200 model boasts ergonomic features that include a tilt tension control, center lock, and tilt lock mechanism.  As a lovely blend of traditional style and modern ergonomics, this classy chair makes a great addition to home, executive, conference, and boardroom areas looking to make a statement of excellence.

Read more »

Graphene batteries and supercapacitors could give EV sales some serious thrust.

Graphene – the world’s thinnest material – could make batteries light, durable and suitable for high capacity energy storage for electric vehicles.

Graphene promises a revolution in electrical and chemical engineering. It is a potent conductor, extremely lightweight, chemically inert and flexible with a large surface area. It could be the perfect candidate for high capacity energy storage.

Soon after graphene’s isolation, early research already showed that lithium batteries with graphene in their electrodes had a greater capacity and lifespan than standard designs.

A new project ‘Electrochemical Energy Storage with Graphene-Enabled Materials’ is exploring different ways to reduce the size and weight of batteries and extend their lifespan by adding graphene as a component material.

“But before we build the batteries we need to know how graphene will interact with the chemical components – specifically electrolytes,” comments Professor Andrew Forsyth from the School of Electronics and Electrical Engineering.

His colleague Professor Robert Dryfe from the School of Chemistry performs experiments to analyse the chemical interactions between graphene and lithium ions. Professor Dryfe is also exploring how quickly electrons are transferred across graphene and the magnitude of capacitance – the amount of electrical energy that can be stored on graphene surfaces.

The academics are working with a number of commercial partners, including Rolls-Royce, Sharp and Morgan Advanced Materials. Commercial partnership is crucial for developing the future applications of graphene. Graphene@Manchester is currently working with more than 30 companies from around the world on research projects and applications.

Another focus of the project is graphene-based supercapacitors, which tend to have high power capability and longer cycle life than batteries, but lower energy storage capacity. Nevertheless, they hold much promise to complement batteries as part of an integrated storage solution.

According to Professor Forsyth a combination of graphene batteries and supercapacitors could give electric car sales some serious thrust. Today these green vehicles run on batteries that weigh 200kg – as much as three passengers. By reducing the weight of the batteries graphene should boost vehicle efficiency and increase the driving range of electric cars to beyond 100km – a limitation that currently prevents their widespread uptake.

“If we can extend the distances that cars can travel between charge points we will instantly make them more popular,” Professor Forsyth states. “But how will the batteries cope with the real-life strains of driving? Electric cars – like all other vehicles – are not driven smoothly. Dramatic peaks in power demand as drivers accelerate will stress the battery and potentially limit its lifespan.”

To test whether prototype graphene batteries and supercapacitors are up to the job, Professor Forsyth will expose them to real world stresses that mimic different driving profiles. “We can even test the technology for driving in extreme weather conditions,” he added. “Many batteries struggle to perform in cold conditions, but our weather chamber will reveal any weaknesses.”

Of course, graphene-based storage is not limited to transport. It could play a major role in the future of the National Grid as Britain becomes ever more dependent upon renewable energy. “If we rely on solar and wind power to produce energy, what will happen when clouds block the sun and the wind is just a breeze?” asks Professor Forsyth. “If we can develop high capacity electrical storage, operators will be able to store electricity for times of low generation.”

A grid-scale battery and converter system is being installed on Manchester’s campus to test large scale electrical storage. Researchers will use the battery system to develop methods to control the flow of electricity and reconcile differences between power generation and local demand.

Read more »

Pratt & Whitney say Electric Aircraft Require Innovations Not Yet Invented

Though electric aircraft technology continues to improve, an engineer at Pratt & Whitney says the technology must make revolutionary leaps before being applicable to commercial or military aircraft.

P&W has looked into electric aircraft and determined that three technological “miracles” must occur before electric flight goes mainstream, Alan Epstein, P&W's vice president of technology and environment, tells reporters.

First, battery technology must improve by 50 to 100 times, says Epstein, noting that a commercial aircraft like a Boeing 737 require about 10MW of energy during cruise.

Battery-powered aircraft could be viable with current technology only “If you want to fly one-hundredth of the distance in the same size airplane,” says Epstein, who made his comments during a question and answer session at the company’s Connecticut headquarters earlier this week.

P&W has also spoken with engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology about developing an electric engine capable of powering large aircraft.

Such powerplants could be built, they determined, but would require new, complex superconductivity technology. Also, engineers would need to remove the engine’s magnetic shielding to reduce its weight.

That is a problem, Epstein says, because without magnetic shielding the engine would “kill the people sitting next to the motors.”

“Three miracles are about two-and-a-half too many for an industrial organisation and one-and-a-half too many for most companies,” Epstein says. “I don’t see major commercial electric aircraft without innovations that have yet to be invented.”

Some might beg to differ. In 2012 German aerospace research institution Bauhaus Luftfahrt released details of a concept for a zero-emissions 190-seat aircraft which could potentially enter service in 2035. Designated the Ce-Liner, the electric aircraft would rely on twin super-conducting electric motors supplied by a bank of up to 16 battery containers.

Read more »

Don't Settle for A Boring Reception Area!

As the place where visitors and clients often gather their first impressions, office reception areas and lobbies are super influential. That means having uncomfortable, worn out chairs, boring walls, and terrible interior design is an absolute no-no for these rooms. But what if you aren't a designer? Well, never fear! Today's article is all about how to create an inciting office reception area to stun your guests. Enjoy!

Design A Unique Seating Layout

It may sound weird to start with a seating plan, but once you've accurately measured your space and identified your needs, sketching out a few ideas is always the best way to go. Planning the sort of furniture you want to have around and where it will be placed makes shopping all the easier. This way, you'll know the general size of the sofas, lounge chairs, and other cool modern reception furniture you're looking for. The plans make it easier to decide between the layouts that will work best and the furniture that is needed the most. You may even be able to determine if you've got enough room for something like a television or fish tank to serve as eye-candy for your visitors!

* Here's some cool chair layouts to inspire you:

Space Efficient Seating - Uses strategic placing of seats to get the maximum use out of a space.

Family Style - Organizes chairs and sofas like a living room, usually around a coffee table.

Couples Style - Good for counseling centers or pediatric offices where visitors usually arrive in twos.

Movie Theatre Style - Perfect for an office with an entertainment center like a television or fish tank.

Research the Latest Design Trends

Now that you've got a few layouts in mind, it's time to research the latest design trends. When trying to figure out everything ourselves, it's easy to forget there's a whole world out there with designers focused on turning their ideas into trends. Doing a little research helps ensure that your new lobby seating sets turn heads in the workplace. Those that have a better idea of what's popular now will most likely make better guesses about what will be popular tomorrow, and that let's business owners get the most use out of their new furniture. If you're not sure where to start, try speaking with an interior designer or office furniture dealer about what the latest trends are and what furniture has been selling like hotcakes.

Make A Statement with Your Reception Desk

If the reception area is the first impression visitors will have of your business, the reception desk is the first impression of that first impression - so it better make an impression! Because the desk is usually the biggest focal point in almost any room, all eyes will be drawn to the reception desk in this case. Consider the look of your office reception area and the surrounding furniture so the looks won't clash, and try to decide if a straight or curved desk would be better. Choosing one from top rated office furniture brands like OFM, Mayline, Cherryman, or a series like Superior Laminate Desking by Offices To Go is a great way to ensure that yours will be top quality and at the forefront of modern style.

Paint with A Purpose

Colors have a deep psychological impact on the mind. In order to get the better influence your guests, it's a good idea to put yourself in their shoes. Try to think about how you want them to feel when they enter your reception area. Do you want them to feel excited? Professional? Cozy? Quirky? Cared for? Then, it's a good idea to read up a bit on color psychology to determine which colors typically evoke those feelings in most people. At the same time, you want to pick a paint that won't clash with the colorful fabric office sofas you've already chosen. Remember that hues and shadows will play a part in the final look. Even if most blues are thought of as peaceful, a brighter hue like teal or aqua can be evoke just as much excitement as pink!

Accents Matter

Now that your space is all but complete, it's time to do a little decorating! Most people don't realize that accent furniture can play just as big a role as painted walls and chairs can. However, it's the accent furniture that often gives a place a finished look. Before you reopen the reception area, be sure to line hard floors with area rugs and side tables to provide guests a place to set entertainment and refreshments. Remember that not everyone is a magazine reader, so be sure to deck out the walls with some cool art to keep the lookers entertained. If you work in a city, think about adding some plants of small office air purifiers to keep the air fresh and clean. Finish it all off with sophisticated office lighting fixtures to brighten up the space, and your office reception area is ready to wow and receive!

Read more »

Tesla announce Model S pricing for Australia

Tesla Motors have announced Australian pricing for its Model S which starts at $91,400 plus on-road costs for the Model S 60 and tops out at $133,257 for the high-performance P85.

The base model can be had for about $107,000 driveaway in Melbourne or Sydney, while the range-topper is about $140,000.

This reflects the growing affordability of electric cars, as this pricing is about half that of the Tesla Roadster which pioneered the brand Down Under in 2011 at $222,995 driveaway for the base model and $260,535 for the Sport.

Australian orders for the American-made plug-in Model S are now being taken on Tesla’s website, two years after the model went on sale in the United States.

Tesla, which expects to sell 35,000 of the five-door liftback Model S sedans globally this year, is planning to re-establish a retail showroom in Sydney, along with sales representation in Melbourne and a dedicated service facility.

Expected to land in Australia by August, the three-model range will offer three levels of performance, depending on battery size and electronic tweaks.

The base Model S 60 boasts 225kW of power from its 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack, driving the large sedan from zero to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds – about the same as a V6 Holden Commodore – and to a top speed of 190km/h. Official driving range on a full battery charge is said to be 390km.

Stepping up to the mid-range $111,807 Model S 85 adds more battery oomph (85kWh) for more power (270kW), faster acceleration (5.6 sec to 100km/h) and greater range (502km).

The $119,900 flagship P85 – P stands for performance – has the same 85kWh battery and 502km range as the 85 but adds an enhanced electric drivetrain for faster acceleration.

Tesla says the P85 can cover the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds – a split second faster than the 4.4-litre V8 BMW M5. And it is about $100,000 cheaper, too, at least in base format that is well short of the M5’s feature level.

If the Tesla buyer ticks all the boxes for optional extras, including a performance suspension and 21-inch wheels package, ‘tech’ package (a bundle of electricals that includes sat-nav, keyless entry, memory seats and power tailgate, among others), and other extras, the price can top $170,00, plus on-roads.

In standard form, the Model S is available in one exterior colour – flat black – with 19-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats and piano black interior trim.

Metallic paint in a variety of colours costs between $900 and $1800, while leather is also $1800. A glass panoramic roof is a $3100.

The standard on-board charger comes with a 40-amp single-phase wall connector. For an extra $1800, a buyer can have twin chargers fitted to reduce charging time.

As well, Tesla promises to establish a network of “Tesla Superchargers” that it claims can replenish the batteries by more than half in a little as 20 minutes. The facility will be free to Model S 85 and P85 owners, but requires a $2700 tweak for 60 buyers.

Because “green” cars get luxury car tax breaks in Australia, but the flagship P85 still attracts $13,357 in tax.

The Tesla website provides driveaway pricing that varies by state and territory, with the Australian Capital Territory the cheapest and Western Australia the dearest. For example, the driveaway price for the base Model S 60 in the ACT is $103,095, while in WA it is $109,363.

Tesla Model S pricing:

Model S 60 $96,208
Model S 85 $111,807
Model S P85 $133,257

Read more »

Know Your Chair Brand: RFM Preferred Seating

For those of you in search of only the best for your office, search no farther than RFM for your chair. As one of the most respected office chair manufacturers in the industry, this award-winning brand has been brining top quality ergonomic seating to offices for a long time. Here, we'll showcase the best of what RFM has to offer, so you can know you can know your brand all the better. Enjoy!

Mission and History

For more than thirty-five years, RFM Preferred Seating has been bringing top quality furniture to workplaces all over the nation. With a mission to make sure every office is equipped with state of the art seating, it's not surprising to learn that their history of producing fully customizable products continues to this day. Offering high tech office chairs with adjustable features and stunning design, RFM remains a leader in the world of office seating. Every model is designed with exacting standards to improve the health, quality, productivity, and efficiency of any user that sits in their chairs!

Versatile Seating

Unlike many other furniture brands that sacrifice design for versatility, RFM has remained solely focused on chairs as long as they've been around. Since all the energy of this top brand name has gone into producing one style of furniture, it's no surprise to learn they've perfected it. In fact, many RFM Preferred Seating office chairs have been credited with being some of the most comfortable commercial office chairs anywhere. Their seating options don't end at the desks either. With multifunction, bariatric, guest, computer, and training chairs all in their lineup, there is an RFM chair for every part of the office, from the lobby to the conference room! With enough ergonomic features to stretch from here to the moon, you can bet they're as comfortable as can be.

A Rainbow of Colors

One of the most popular reasons shoppers go so often to RFM for their office seating needs is because the brand offers an extremely diverse array of fabric options to clothe their chairs in. Most furniture brands don't offer half the versatility that RFM does when it comes to upholstery options. Almost all of the brand's colorful ergonomic computer chairs are available in the extensive array of choices that has come to characterize RFM as one of the most versatile office furniture manufacturers anywhere. Choose from fiery equinox red, to sapphire, bayou, symphony, or anything else your heart desires. If you can find it in the rainbow, chances are you'll find it on an RFM chair!

Environmental Commitment

Founded in a state that has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to environmental sustainability, RFM has made environmental concerns a part of their mission since their founding. Stringently tested and officially certified by MAS "Materials Analytical Services" for low-emitting products, this brand is continuing it's tradition of always incorporating environmental awareness into every bit of their manufacturing and distribution process. Along with great brands like Eurotech and Global Total Office furniture, RFM has been added to the ranks of best eco-conscious office furniture brands to buy from.

Ergonomic Design

At last, we get down to the nitty-gritty of why RFM is such a favorite choice among shoppers. Of course, the versatile seating, high standards, and color options all play a factor, but by far, the best reason to go with RFM, if for nothing else, is the ergonomic design. This brand prides itself on being a leader in the office furniture world by setting the standard for high end ergonomic office chairs to hit. All their chairs, from the RFM Echelon Series, to the Verte, Ranier, and unique 8235 Carmel Office Chair by RFM, boast exquisite ergonomic components for the ultimate in support and comfort.

Read more »

Google launches an all-electric self driving 'pod' car [VIDEO]

We have seen battery powered 'pod' type driver-less cars before with the ULTRra PRT at Heathrow airport and the recently announced 100 vehicle trial on public streets around Milton Keynes. These vehicles can only navigate on purpose built guideways as opposed to merging with general traffic. This week Google has demonstrated a driver-less pod type electric vehicle based on their self-driving technology, which while currently limited to car-park demos for legal reasons, should be capable to dealing with public roads autonomously.

The two-seater prototype vehicle is Google’s reimagination of what the modern automobile should look and feel like if you took the human out of the transportation equation and designed something solely to chauffeur passengers from point A to B.

“The project is about changing the world for people who are not well-served by transportation today,” Google co-founder Sergey Brin said at the inaugural Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. “There’s not great public transportation in many public places in the United States.”

The car — which was conceived and designed by Google, unlike the ones it previously modified — lacks many of the trappings of a normal car, and that includes the three essentials: A steering wheel, an accelerator and a brake pedal.

Google wants to get these cars on the streets ASAP. The company plans to start testing them in Mountain View, Calif., later this summer. They hopes to build at least 100 prototypes over the next two years, and get them into the hands of volunteer drivers — or nondrivers, as it were — as soon as the system is evaluated to be safe.

Read more »

BMW i9 planned for 2016?

Auto Motor und Sport are reporting on BMW’s plans to build an i9 model. Built atop the already sold out i8, the BMW i9 is rumoured to be a four-door sportscar.

Little else is known about the i9 but it would presumably feature carbon fiber construction and perhaps the i8's plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter Turbo three-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery which as a combined maximum output of 362 PS (266 kW) and 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) of torque.

BMW has trademarked an entire range of i vehicle, from i1 to i9, with at least one of them, the BMW i5, planned for production in the near future.

Read more »

The Jaguar F-type may be beautiful, but...

THE other day I ticked off another entry from my car lover’s bucket list. I have, after what feels like an eternity, finally driven the Jaguar F-type.

While there’s a full Life On Cars review on the way – and therefore powder to be kept dry – it was a truly special set of wheels which I loved and hated in almost equal measure. I loved it because it’s a lucid, loveable celebration of what talented British engineers achieve when the money men actually get behind their vision for a change, and because it’s those increasingly rare new cars which genuinely feel like an event to drive.

Yet I hate it because – in the words of Joe Jacobs, the boxing manager – we wuz robbed. Robbed of the car, I’ve long reckoned, should have been the F-type all along.

That’s right; 14 years ago the world was shown another F-type and – in much the same way as the original E-type did back in ’61 – collectively gawped at what was a truly mesmerising vision of a Jaguar sports car. Even though I was only 13-years-old at the time, I’d already decided what car I’d be getting once I was finally old enough to appear on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?.

 In much the same way the E-type was sired by the Le Mans-winning D-type of the 1950s, I loved the way that the F-type presented at the 2000 Geneva Motor Show was directly inspired by an even wilder Jaguar show car – the wonderfully bonkers XK180 from two years earlier. The difference was that while 1998’s offering was always presented as being a bit too unhinged for wider public consumption, the F-type watered down the XK180’s excesses just enough that Jaguar said that maybe – just maybe – there would be a road-going version. It even went to the trouble of setting up a hotline simply so car nuts could pester them about putting it into production.

The F-type as Jaguar originally intended it would not only have been clearer in its objectives, taking on the Boxster directly rather than sitting above it at the expense of Jaguar’s own (and now killed off) XK model, but it was so much more beautiful than the current car. It’s a good thing I was too young at the time to ring that hotline, otherwise Jaguar’s management would have a restraining order against me.

Don’t get me wrong – getting a go in the new F-type is as a fabulous as being offered a date with Michelle Keegan. It’s just I was still secretly hoping for Keira Knightley’s number instead.

Read more »

Australia Post takes delivery of first Renault electric vans

In an Australian-first, Renault's 100 percent electric-powered delivery vans will shortly join Australia Post's fleet in Melbourne and Sydney.

The Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. (Zero Emission) electric van, currently not sold in Australia, is widely used across Europe and the United Kingdom and will be used exclusively by Australia Post from mid-2014 for a 12 month proof-of-concept.

Australia Post Head of Environmental Sustainability, Andrew Sellick said using the Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. for day-to-day parcel and letter deliveries is another exciting step in Australia Post's sustainability journey and an important step in assessing the real-world use of electric commercial vehicles.

"The Kangoo Maxi Z.E. assessment is part of a broader strategy to explore alternative fuels at Australia Post, including using biofuel and hybrid vehicles in our current fleet.

"The electric vans will be powered by accredited GreenPower from renewable energy sources to ensure we are maximising the potential to reduce our environmental impact.

"The Kangoo proof-of-concept will give us a clearer picture of the benefits of using electric powered delivery vans. Through this assessment we expect to see at least a 50 percent reduction in energy costs and a 100 percent reduction in carbon emissions to comparable combustible-engine vehicles in our fleet.

"While at this stage we are working with Renault to prove this concept, if the vans perform well across the range of metrics we'll be measuring them on, the future potential is very exciting. We hope this initiative will ultimately help drive the commercialisation and acceptance of electric vehicles in this country."

Renault Australia's Managing Director, Justin Hocevar said "we are excited to broaden our existing relationship with Australia Post in rolling out the Kangoo Z.E. in Australia. Through our partnership with Australia Post, we are able to comprehensively investigate the business case for introducing the fully electric Kangoo Z.E. van in Australia in the future."

Some of the alternative fuel initiatives implemented across Australia Post's network have included the rollout of:

740 electric bikes that have replaced motorbikes at various locations

100 hybrid vehicles introduced to the fleet to replace existing six cylinder vehicles, reducing emissions by over 30 percent

25 hybrid trucks introduced into StarTrack's fleet of vehicles, improving fuel efficiency by 20 percent improvement on average

implementing 5 percent of bio-diesel to StarTrack's fuel supply in 2012 - an initiative which has saved approximately 820 tonnes of carbon

Australia Post's Port Melbourne Business Hub will receive 2 Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. vans mid-year, with the remaining 2 vans that are part of the 12 month assessment delivered to StarTrack House in Sydney by year-end. Charging stations at each location will be powered by accredited GreenPower sources.

The charging station at Australia Post's Port Melbourne Business Hub is funded by the Victorian Government Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure.

Read more »

Airbus display E-FAN @ ILA 2014 Berlin Air Show [VIDEO]

The electric E-Fan experimental aircraft display was a highlight of Airbus Group's portfolio during ILA 2014 Berlin Air Show. This video gives some more insight into this exciting project.

Read more »

Fiat 500 range gets freshened up

A BLINK-and-you’ll-miss-it update of the Fiat 500 range has just gone on sale across the UK.

Sensibly, Fiat has chosen not to mess with the city car’s biggest selling point – its retro styling inspired by the original Nuova 500 of the 1950s – but it has treated the range to some new technology instead, including a digital instrument display and a new version of the company’s award-winning TwinAir engine.

The updated Fiat 500, which starts at £10,600, is available to buy now.

Read more »

SMMT Test Day 2014 - Plenty of car reviews on the way!

IT’S not every day you get to drive not only Britain’s cheapest new car, but also one of Britain’s most expensive.

They’re just two of the new motors I’ve managed to get behind the wheel of at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, where I’ve joined fellow automotive hacks at the SMMT’s annual test day. In all, I managed to find out whether 16 new cars are worth your hard-earned cash, and over the next few months I’m looking forward to letting you know my findings in full both on here and in The Champion.

Until then, however, I can share the follow nuggets of automotive enlightenment which I picked up from a packed day of road testing:

• The Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II is not, as you might imagine given the prices, fifty times better than the entry-level Dacia Sandero. The rest of my life, however, will feel slightly poorer as a result of having briefly sampled the height of four-wheeled opulence.  

• The Suzuki Swift Sport, even though it’s getting on a bit, is still one of the best hot hatches out there. Find out which flimsy excuse I’ve used to roadtest it again in a few weeks’ time… 

• As I’ve suggested after previous visits to Millbrook, the electric offerings are getting better every year, especially if the evidence presented by Volkswagen’s e-up and BMW’s i3 are anything to go by. 

• I can completely understand why the learned scholars who make up the European Car Of The Year panel opted for the latest Peugeot 308 as their choice this year.

• Lexus should put the original LS400 back into production, if the popularity of their early example at Millbrook was anything to go by. 

• The Jaguar F-type’s price might raise your eyebrows, but the noise it makes will definitely lower your jaw. 

• MG’s latest offerings aren’t as bad as their critics make out, but nor as they good as some of the marque’s defenders would have you believe. 

• Without wanting to sound like Jeremy Clarkson, what the Ford Fiesta could definitely do with is a bit more power. 

While the recurring theme with too many of this year’s offerings was a sense of being accomplished at the expensive of character, there were plenty of gems among the 160 cars brought along by the world’s car manufacturers to this year’s Millbrook event.

I’m looking forward to letting you know over the next weeks which ones I really rate.

BMW's i3 is among the electric car entries showing the eco-friendly contenders are getting better every year

The day marked the first chance for many UK journalists to try out the new Alfa Romeo 4C

 

Lexus showed off the LS400 alongside its modern day equivalent, the LS600h

The F-type was among the most sought-after entrants - it's a good thing Jaguar brought five along!

McLaren's P1 supercar was only a static display, but the 650S had plenty of takers

MG Motor UK brought along a quartet of MG3 hatchbacks for journalists to assess

Read more »

Solar House Uses EV to Realize 75% Energy Self-sufficiency

Sekisui Chemical have launched the "Grand Two U V to Heim," a wooden smart house that links an electric vehicle (Nissan Leaf) and a solar power generation system with an output capacity of 10kW in the aim of realizing practical energy self-sufficiency.

By appropriately controlling a solar power generation system and the rechargeable battery of an EV, the system is able to provide up to 75% of the amount of electricity consumed by the entire house throughout the year.

Conventional "V2H" systems, which provide electricity from an EV to a house, have various limitations. For example, when electricity is supplied from an EV to a house, it is necessary to temporarily cut off electricity from the power grid. To solve this issue, the Grand Two U V to Heim comes with a grid connection system that also controls an EV and a solar power generation system.

Read more »

New Battery Tech Could Turn Waste Heat to Electricity

Vast amounts of excess heat are generated by industrial processes and by electric power plants; researchers around the world have spent decades seeking ways to harness some of this wasted energy. Most such efforts have focused on thermoelectric devices, solid-state materials that can produce electricity from a temperature gradient, but the efficiency of such devices is limited by the availability of materials.

Now researchers at MIT and Stanford University have found a new alternative for low-temperature waste-heat conversion into electricity — that is, in cases where temperature differences are less than 100 degrees Celsius.

The new approach, based on a phenomenon called the thermogalvanic effect, is described in a paper published in the journal Nature Communications by postdoc Yuan Yang and professor Gang Chen at MIT, postdoc Seok Woo Lee and professor Yi Cui at Stanford, and three others.

Since the voltage of rechargeable batteries depends on temperature, the new system combines the charging-discharging cycles of these batteries with heating and cooling, so that the discharge voltage is higher than charge voltage. The system can efficiently harness even relatively small temperature differences, such as a 50 C difference.

To begin, the uncharged battery is heated by the waste heat. Then, while at the higher temperature, the battery is charged; once fully charged, it is allowed to cool. Because the charging voltage is lower at high temperatures than at low temperatures, once it has cooled the battery can actually deliver more electricity than what was used to charge it. That extra energy, of course, doesn't just appear from nowhere: It comes from the heat that was added to the system.

The system aims at harvesting heat of less than 100 C, which accounts for a large proportion of potentially harvestable waste heat. In a demonstration with waste heat of 60 C the new system has an estimated efficiency of 5.7 percent.

The basic concept for this approach was initially proposed in the 1950s, Chen says, but "a key advance is using material that was not around at that time" for the battery electrodes, as well as advances in engineering the system.

That earlier work was based on temperatures of 500 C or more, Yang adds; most current heat-recovery systems work best with higher temperature differences.

While the new system has a significant advantage in energy-conversion efficiency, for now it has a much lower power density — the amount of power that can be delivered for a given weight — than thermoelectrics. It also will require further research to assure reliability over a long period of use, and to improve the speed of battery charging and discharging, Chen says. "It will require a lot of work to take the next step," he cautions.

Chen, the Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering and head of MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering, says there's currently no good technology that can make effective use of the relatively low-temperature differences this system can harness. "This has an efficiency we think is quite attractive," he says. "There is so much of this low-temperature waste heat, if a technology can be created and deployed to use it."

Cui says, "Virtually all power plants and manufacturing processes, like steelmaking and refining, release tremendous amounts of low-grade heat to ambient temperatures. Our new battery technology is designed to take advantage of this temperature gradient at the industrial scale."

Lee adds, "This technology has the additional advantage of using low-cost, abundant materials and manufacturing process that are already widely used in the battery industry."

Read more »

Electric BMW Mini Superleggera Roadster Concept [VIDEO]

The BMW Group celebrates the meeting of the time-honoured and the contemporary at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2014 with a very special concept: the MINI Superleggera™ Vision. This exclusive interpretation of an open-top two-seater was created by MINI and Touring Superleggera, the tradition-steeped design and coach building house based in Milan.

The MINI Superleggera™ Vision is on the one hand a classic roadster, a compact and agile two-seater, expressing the most minimalist and emotional style of motoring; and on the other hand its electric drivetrain gives the car distinctly modern driving dynamics. In collaboration with MINI, Touring Superleggera™ has designed and built an elaborately crafted, unique model which blends the tradition of classic coachwork construction with the MINI's authentic British styling to create timeless aesthetic appeal.

- Modern Britishness meets Italian flair: the iconic design of MINI meets elegant, athletic beauty - interpreted in contemporary style.

- Classic Italian body construction and hand-shaped metal sheeting give the MINI SuperleggeraTM Vision a unique emotional appeal. Both on the inside and outside, the form is reduced to the maximum extent so as to achieve a clear focus on the distinctive driving experience.

- The interior reflects traditional coachwork construction in terms of materials and styling, combined with the icons of MINI interior design.

- High-end materials such as leather, aluminium and black chrome highlight the clear aesthetics of the interior.

Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design on the concept: "Touring Superleggera and MINI have much in common: both companies attach great importance to their history and this is something which defines their outward appearance to this day. What is more, they both emphasise iconic design and distinctive solutions. These elements are merged in the MINI SuperleggeraTM Vision to create an elegant automobile which interprets a British roadster under the influence of Italian style and hand craftsmanship."

British design with an Italian accent - the exterior design.

"The MINI SuperleggeraTM Vision elegantly perpetuates what the Classic Mini started 55 years ago: reduction to the essentials. Its energetic, minimalistic design embodies the dynamic essence of an automobile. At the same time it creates unique emotional beauty in combining the past and future of the automotive industry, i.e. traditional coachwork craftsmanship and modern design styling. It was a pleasure for me to design a concept like this." says Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design.

The perfectly balanced proportions indicate at first glance what the electrically powered MINI Superleggera™ Vision has to offer in terms of a driving experience: the stretched bonnet, long wheelbase and cool, short overhangs convey pure driving fun. As in every MINI, the wheels are set widely on the body, promising a high degree of agility. The passenger cell is slightly set back, further underscoring the car's dynamic impression. The overall effect of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision is sporty, elegant and dynamic.

The front of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision features the traditional MINI design icons: two circular headlights and a hexagonal grille define the unmistakable front section, providing a contemporary interpretation of features which have become firmly established over decades. There are also striking classic sports car elements such as a wide track and distinctively curved wheel arches that give the front a dynamic presence. The classic MINI bonnet stripes are three-dimensionally embossed and run on into high-quality polished aluminum accents. The inlaid bonnet harks back to classic British roadsters of bygone days.

Meanwhile the horizontal rib look of the radiator grille adds a classic sporty touch. The fact that it is closed is a discreet indication of the car's electric motor. The two fog lights echo the circular contours of the headlamps, providing a smaller interpretation of them in the radiator grille. The air inlets are also circular, giving the front section a distinctive touch. A flat front splitter made of carbon fibre closes off the front to the road, thereby underscoring the car's sporty statement down to the last detail.

Classic coachwork construction in a cutting-edge interpretation.

The striking element of the side view is the characteristic "Touring" line. It embodies both the high art of coachwork building and classic aesthetics. Surrounded by tight, seamless surfaces, it traces a precise, vibrant movement from the front wheels through to the rear. This reflects the great craftsmanship and longstanding experience of Touring Superleggera in area of body construction: ever since it was founded the company has stood for fine, light sports car bodies. To this day, Touring Superleggera™ shapes large aluminium sheets by hand using the most performing frame structures. The hand-crafted style of construction gives the MINI Superleggera Vision an aesthetic form which would be virtually impossible to achieve by machine manufacture.

"MINI and Touring both believe that proportions are the key factor of beauty, and share the same values of essentiality and innovation" says Louis de Fabribeckers, Head of design of Touring Superleggera. "In this car all unnecessary equipment or decoration is sacrificed, as performance is gained through lightness and efficiency of the bodywork and interior. The Italian touch is in the proportions and the typical waistline."

There are very few gaps in the body since it is constructed from large sheets of metal. The result is a closed look that conveys high-quality elegance. The specially developed exterior paint finish Como Blue, almost liquid in effect, stands for both classic and modern style. It particularly underlines the refined Italian touch of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision. The elaborate rims and the elegant exterior mirrors in long-hole look complete with a mirror base in polished aluminium add exclusive accentuations at the side. Echoing the front section, the discreet CFRP sills underscore the sporty character of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision.

Meanwhile the striking fin defines the look of the rear, adding a touch of extravagance. It gives the MINI Superleggera™ Vision a particular longitudinal dynamics while at the same time embodying the unconventional air of both MINI and Touring Superleggera. Like the "Touring" line at the side, it is modeled with enormous precision. The highlight of the flat, wide rear is the unusual lights: designed in the form of a Union Jack divided in two, they combine functionality and symbolism in a way never seen before. In this way they express the British roots of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision while at the same time emphasising the modern LED technology as already used in the new MINI. A chrome bar demarcates the rear lights at the centre of the rear, making this area a classic British jewellery icon. The CFRP diffuser rounds off the rear to the road in sporty style.

Echoing the exterior - the interior design.

The exterior and interior design of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision merge seamlessly. Only a surrounding shoulder line in polished aluminium visually separates the exterior and interior from each other. The border creates an encircling, sporty gesture that consistently perpetuates the clear elegance and generous surfaces of the exterior.

In its styling and in the look and feel of its materials, the interior design celebrates the tradition and the essence of classic coachwork construction. It reflects how the automobile was created: the essential features are quoted - the untreated aluminium sheeting and the tube-shaped structural elements - and they are made visible in the interior by means of a high-quality interpretation. This is most striking in the dashboard. The latter is created from a single aluminium sheet and has been left in the state the automobile body would look like without a paint finish. The generously sized unpainted surfaces and the clearly visible hand craftsmanship of the dashboard go together to reflect the skilled artistry of the coachbuilders. The doors and the sporty 3-spoke steering wheel likewise reveal the traditional method of construction. The structural elements in the doors form a Union Jack, discreetly indicating the British origins of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision.

The Center Instrument in the middle of the instrument panel draws on MINI design styling and has been extended for the MINI Superleggera™ Vision to include a touch-sensitive control element and two circular instruments with metal surrounds on the right. In addition to the analog clock on the far right, the second framed instrument activates the camera which is integrated between the driver and front passenger seat. It has the function of capturing those particularly worthwhile moments on the road.

Classic and modern to equal degrees - colour and material design.

The classic materials aluminium and leather in a virtually untreated state define the reduced aesthetics of the MINI Superleggera™ Vision in the interior. Below the shoulder covered in brown leather in the classical color Sabbia, the materials are kept to the essentials. The structural elements in the doors and centre console are finished in high-quality black chrome, exclusively set apart from the aluminium surfaces and the raw, matt textured paint finish in the footwell area. This deliberately contrasting mixture of structured surfaces and high-end materials gives the MINI Superleggera™ Vision an exceptional charm. The sporty bucket seats are reminiscent of bygone MINI motor racing achievements and are covered in high-quality black leather. True to the MINI Motto "Hide & Reveal", accentuations in Misty Magenta provide a touch of Italian flair in tongue-in-cheek MINI style in concealed spots such as the two hot air outlets under the instrument panel and inside the door openings in the structural elements of the doors.

Coachbuilding in 2014.

Since 1926, Touring Superleggera is forerunner of advanced automotive design and custom coachbuilding. The company is one of the rare firms offering the whole in-house productive cycle from the first sketch, all the way through surface engineering and structural analysis, style models and prototypes, to turn-key, low-volume production of special bodywork.

"We are delighted that MINI wanted to stimulate an independent initiative and particularly Italian design for the first time", says Piero Mancardi, CEO of Touring Superleggera. He continues: "This project also shows MINIs attention to preserving and nurturing the skills of craftsmanship incorporated in modern coach building."

The MINI Superleggera™ Vision epitomizes the potential of "Carrozzeria" in today's automobile industry: blending creativity and flexibility with rigor and respect of high standards. The result is a car of classic beauty that is also state of the art.

Read more »

Nissan delivers 50,000th all-electric LEAF in U.S. [VIDEO]

Nissan achieved another milestone this month as Dallas residents Todd and Lisa Bolt made Nissan LEAF the first all-electric model to hit 50,000 sales in the U.S. The Bolt family took delivery of their black LEAF SL earlier this month at AutoNation Nissan of Lewisville.

Thanks to enthusiastic owner advocates, robust public charging infrastructure and the launch of a successful free charging promotion, Dallas – and the state of Texas – have become hot growth markets for LEAF. So far in 2014, LEAF sales in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex have grown by about 50 percent over the previous year, with that growth set to accelerate faster thanks in part to the introduction of a new state tax rebate of up to $2,500 on the purchase or lease of a new Nissan LEAF.

"Beyond the simple economics of not buying gas, we've been impressed with how well the LEAF drives," said Todd Bolt, a pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake. "When we show the LEAF off to family and friends, they're surprised that the car is so quiet and rides so well. The LEAF does everything we need day-to-day, and given the financial savings, I don't know why we'd buy another gas car."

Electric vehicle ownership has taken hold at Gateway Church, where both Todd and Lisa work, after an executive pastor did the math and decided to buy a Nissan LEAF. Now, more than 20 employees are in the fold, jokingly referring to themselves as the "Blessed LEAFs Club."

Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston are among 10 launch markets for "No Charge to Charge," a new promotion that provides two years of no-cost public charging to new LEAF buyers who took delivery of their car after April 1, 2014. The national promotion is modeled after a successful pilot program launched in Dallas and Houston last fall with Houston-based NRG eVgo.

"With 'No Charge to Charge,' the new EV tax credit and enthusiastic new owners like the Bolt family, Dallas is poised to climb the ranks of leading LEAF sales markets," said Toby Perry, director, EV Marketing for Nissan. "Texas is a great indicator that the right mix of customer awareness and strategically placed charging can lead to rapid EV adoption, and we expect to use that model to grow our sales in markets across the U.S."

With nearly 115,000 global sales since launch, Nissan LEAF is the world's top-selling electric vehicle. LEAF seats up to five passengers and boasts an estimated driving range on a fully-charged battery of 84 miles and MPGe ratings of 126 city, 101 highway and 114 combined. With a starting price of less than $30,000, LEAF is competitively priced with similar gas-powered cars after applicable tax credits, while providing the benefits of lower running costs and less scheduled maintenance.

LEAF is powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery and an 80kW motor that provides a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience. A Nissan LEAF can be charged to 80 percent of its full capacity in about 30 minutes using its available quick charge port and a quick charger. Charging at home through a 220V outlet is estimated to take approximately five hours with the 6.6 kW onboard charger (approximately eight hours with the S grade's standard 3.6 kW charger).

Read more »

Renault, LG Chem Join Forces to Develop Long-Range EV Batteries

Renault Samsung Motors announced on May 21 that the Renault Group and LG Chem signed an MOU to develop next-gen long-range electric vehicle (EV) batteries and thus forged a strategic partnership. Both companies are planning to cooperate in the development of lithium-ion batteries used in long-range EVs.

Even though they did not elaborate on their target miles per charge, the current value of 93 miles will reportedly double (i.e. 300 km). To attain their target, LG Chem’s high-energy-density batteries will be used in the joint development.

The deal is significant in that two top-ranked firms in each sector decided to join forces. Renault already released four EV models including the Renault Z.E. The company is also expanding its investment to sell 1.5 million EVs by 2016, together with Nissan, which belongs to the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Renault’s EVs are fitted with LG Chem’s lithium-ion secondary batteries, while Nissan is supplied with batteries from the Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), a joint venture between Nissan Motors and the NEC Corporation.

LG Chem also occupies a top-ranked position in the EV market. The auto battery maker is currently supplying batteries to 10 car manufacturers, but the number is going to increase to 20 companies next year. According to Japanese market research firm B3, the Korean firm ranked first in the EV market by producing 1408MW/h in the third and fourth quarters of last year.

The industry is paying attention to whether or not this deal will serve as an opportunity to facilitate another partnership between car and battery makers. Samsung SDI is already supplying its batteries to the BMW i3 and the i8 plug-in hybrid, and participating in the development of next models. This kind of united front between industries is expected to bring the era of EV commercialization closer.

Read more »

Nissan launches GT-R LMP1 WEC and Le Mans programme for 2015

Nissan will take on Audi, Toyota and Porsche in the World Endurance Championship from the start of next season.

Nissan has confirmed that it will mount a two-car attack on the full WEC with a car to be known as the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO.

Nissan vice-president Andy Palmer explained that his company wanted to exploit the new energy-based P1 rules introduced for this season by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest at Le Mans and the FIA.

"We applaud the ACO and FIA for the work they have done to get the rules right," he said.

"LMP1 is not just an arms race - all our rivals in the class have taken different technical approaches and we will be doing the same."

He explained that Nissan wanted "to win in a very different way to that of our rivals".

"We won't be turning up in a vehicle that is a basically another hybrid that looks like another Porsche, Audi or Toyota — they all look the same to me. Our intention is to do something that is a little bit different."

Nissan, which made its announcement in London on Friday afternoon, has yet to disclose technical details of the car or where it will be built.

Read more »

Volvo to Develop Electric Roads for Dynamic Wireless EV Charging

The Volvo Group is now taking the next step in the development of sustainable transport solutions. In collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration, the Volvo Group will study the potential for building electric roads, where city buses can be charged from electricity in the road at the same time as the bus is in operation. The benefit is quieter and more climate-smart public transport. A 300- to 500-meter electric road may be built for test operations in central Gothenburg during 2015.

“Vehicles capable of being charged directly from the road during operation could become the next pioneering step in the development towards reduced environmental impact, and this is fully in line with our vision of becoming the world leader in sustainable transport solutions. Close cooperation between society and industry is needed for such a development to be possible and we look forward to investigating the possibilities together with the City of Gothenburg,” says Niklas Gustavsson, Executive Vice President, Corporate Sustainability & Public Affairs of the Volvo Group.

With the use of an electric road, vehicle batteries would continuously be charged wirelessly during operation by transferring energy from the electricity grid to a vehicle, instead of charging the bus while it is standing still at charging stations. The technology being studied is called inductive charging, whereby the energy is transferred wirelessly to the underside of the vehicle by equipment built into the road.

The Volvo Group will develop a detailed proposal within the framework of innovation procurement from the Swedish Transport Administration. The proposal entails building a road section equipped with wireless charge technology and developing vehicles that will automatically charge their batteries when passing such a road section. The road will be built along a suitable bus line in central Gothenburg and be tested for public transport. Experiences from such a test track will provide valuable knowledge for future political and industrial decisions for establishing electric roads.

For several years, the Volvo Group has been offering hybrid buses with a traditional diesel engine that is supplemented by an electrical engine to reduce CO2 emissions. Three Volvo plug-in-hybrid buses are already in operation in Gothenburg (project Hyper Bus*), which charge their batteries at the end stations of line 60. The next stage of development is for these types of buses to be able to charge their batteries while in operation, thus increasing the distance the buses can run on pure electricity. And this is exactly what will be studied now. In 2015, a new bus line, ElectriCity, will become operational between Chalmers and Lindholmen in Gothenburg. This line will also provide additional knowledge of charging technology and electric power for heavy vehicles.

“We are working on both a broad and a deep basis to develop the technology of tomorrow. Electric roads are another important part of the puzzle in our aim of achieving transport solutions that will minimize the impact on the environment,” says Niklas Gustavsson.

Read more »

Have You Adjusted Your Office Chair Lately?

Having a high quality office chair with tons of ergonomic features is only useful if you use them properly. Regularly adjusting your office chair is a must to achieve peak performance in the workplace. In today's article we'll highlight several of the most common chair adjustment features and their associated benefits.

Pneumatic Cylinder

It's important to adjust your office chair regularly to meet your needs on a task by task basis. That being said, the most common chair feature found in 2014 is the pneumatic cylinder. This helpful ergonomic attribute allows your chair to move up and down with the pull of a lever. The pneumatic cylinder is the piece connecting the base of your chair to the mechanism under your seat.

Arms

These days, all of the top selling chairs for office use are coming standing with adjustable arms. Needless to say, this is a great feature to have if used properly. All too often shoppers will purchase expensive executive chairs with adjustable arms and never use them. Be sure to educate yourself on which ways your chair arms adjust and don't be afraid to test them out. Often workers become set in their ways and end up settling for a fraction of the comfort that's actually achievable via their chair.

Back Angle

Adjusting your chairs back angle is a great way to improve posture and reduce straining in the workplace. We've found that this feature is rarely used as consumers are terrified to loose their previous angle setting. Mastering your office chair for optimal performance is a must when investing precious funds into your new seating. The top models available in 2014 feature user friendly levers that allow the back angle to smoothly adjust like in a vehicle. If you ever find yourself hunched over your desk, try adjusting your chairs back angle. You'll be glad you did! This feature should be used nearly everyday and will make a world of difference in your work comfort.

Lumbar Support

Often requested and seldom used, ergonomic office chairs with lumbar support are in high demand these days. While there are dozens of models available with integrated lumbar support characteristics, those with customizable adjustment capabilities should be utilized on a daily basis. This common feature is regularly recommended by physicians and ergonomic specialists for a reason, it improves comfort. Using your lumbar support regularly will help to reduce back pain and should not be an afterthought once your chair arrives. Having this feature on your chair costs money, don't let it go to waste!

Tilt Tension

When you lean back in your office chair, do you suddenly get that "I'm going to fall" feeling. Do you ever attempt to lean back and find that you're met with ample resistance? If so, you need to adjust your chairs tilt tension. While some prefer a loose lean that requires limited push, others prefer a stiffer feel. No matter your preference, adjusting the tension at which your chair tilts is a must. Locate the twist knob located under your chair's seat and loosen or tighten accordingly. This is one adjustment that should be set and left alone unless needed. Which the adjustment process is simple, once the tension is set properly, it should stay that way to meet your specific work needs. If you work in a shared office area, master the chairs being used to ensure you can reach your preferred settings effectively.

Read more »

The Future of Ergonomics In The Workplace

The workplace is an environment that's constantly changing, and in today's competitive market, it's important to stay on top of the game! As the future of technology evolves, so do the offices and the equipment we use to get along. In order to help you stay one step ahead, we're introducing some of rising stars of ergonomic sudy and standards. These high tech solutions have big futures in the way we all do business, so expect to see more of them soon!

Superior Comfort 

Comfort has been a big keystone for quality ergonomic products for some time now. When office workers aren't comfortable, over time, the discomfort can sometimes lead to some serious health problems. Choosing top quality comfortable ergo chairs for the workplace is a key part of ensuring office users remain unrestricted by pain. With new high tech ergonomic features like adjustable lumbar, massage technology, heating devices to relax the muscles, and chairs like RFM's Verte and the Arti chairs by Global with spine-flex technology, the future of office comfort is soaring sky high.

Touch Screen Tech

With the popularity of smartphones and tablets, it's not surprising to hear that touch screen tech is making it's way into the workplace. Already, products like the ORION-COMBO Adjustable Tablet Mount by ESI for office use are soaring off the shelves in place of retractable monitor arms. Rather than using their computers to get work done, many tech users are often turning to their tablets for the efficient touch screen feature, and it's a trend that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Companies like Ideum and ExoPC are already revolutionizing the hands-on world with touchscreen desks. Scientists are even working on technology that would allow us to view holographic computer screens in mid air, like the Displair virtual touchscreen! While most of this tech is too expensive to be practical now, we suspect it won't be long now before touch-tech hits the market big time.

Dual Purpose Products

Single products that can meet a host of needs already provide a huge advantage to companies that have them. Not only do these devices take up less space, but they consistently improve efficiency. With practical high tech office accessories out now like the SOLSTICE Desk Lamp by ESI, which lights up your desk and charges your handhelds, office productivity skyrockets! Dual purpose products are hugely beneficial for fast success in the workplace, and it's bound to keep getting better. Today, it's luxury executive chairs with tablet arms, tomorrow it could be a desk that types for you!

Going Green

The green revolution has truly taken the world by storm, and hearing that affordable office furniture manufacturers like Global Total Office makes green products truly solidifies the suspicions. Companies everywhere are becoming more aware of their environmental impact, and many are making the changes to reduce it. In many cases, office workers that go green with Greenguard Certified products and add purifying indoor plants to their working environment report better focus and all around better health. Of course, it always helps that products made with recycles or recyclable materials tend to cost less monetarily. For all these reasons and more, green office products are a good choice that just keeps getting better as time goes on.

Healthful Working

Believe it or not, part of the reason so many people choose eco friendly products is because they are almost always healthier. Typical office furniture like desks and chairs that aren't safe for the environment are often not safe for your environment either. Many are made with harsh chemicals seep into the air for years after buying. The future of ergonomics is seeming to revolve more and more around health, and it's why many brands are seeking to gain the Greenguard stamp of approval for indoor air quality. Other products like standing office desks improve health in other ways. By standing to work, many office employees eliminate their back pain, increase stamina, and improve focus just from the extra exercise. Special chairs like the Chakra chair by Eurotech often seek to improve health by cradling the body's pressure points in ever more sophisticated approaches. In the future, we expect to see rises in popularity for massage chairs and other healthful products as the world becomes more health conscious!

Read more »