General Motors Corporation has been having a hard time lately. So much so that its biggest rival, Toyota Motor Corporation, is fast gaining on the US automaker, with many industry observers predicting that soon, the Japanese automaker will be the top automaker ? effectively edging out what was once known as the world?s Big Three.

As part of its move to ease their current financial troubles, General Motors has decided to cut the operation on its Canadian plant in Oshawa. This means the car company is laying off 1,200 workers and cutting the three shifts on making both Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. The facility plant also makes car parts like GMC catalytic converter.

The change will not affect the GM’s Tonawanda plant, according to GM spokeswoman Mary Ann Brown. She also said that the plant will not be affected because it is the only plant that produces engine supplies for the Chevrolet Impala. The line was not included on the cutbacks.

Although the Tonawanda facility does not currently produce the engines for the two pick up brands, the 4.5 liter diesel engine plant will be producing the new car part in 2009 for the Silverados and Sierras going out on the market this coming 2010.

According to the General Motor?s spokesman Stew Low of Oshawa, GM is trying to do all the efforts to improve its production of more pickups in the North America. The news signifies the slump on the US car market and even on automotive sectors in Canada.

Brown also said that in Tonawanda, the general economic conditions has a great impact on the production requirements but not on the workforce levels beyond anything with connection with what the plant has already announced.

She also added on a statement, “We had expected the economic downturn that has been talked about to impact us more than it has. We thought we were going to a one-shift operation from two shifts at our 2.2 liter and 3.5 liter engine lines, but production schedules are such that we will not have to do that now.”

She also said the engine production will be down slightly.

The announcement made by the GM about its plant may lay off 145 working employees on the said plant for up to two years. The plant starts its changes on September 24 and will only lower the production requirements to cope up with the budget loss.

Lexus has long been in deep silence, surging in the automotive industry under the name of Toyota. Progress was not felt by the company, knowing that they are recognized dependent from the bigger automaker. Though they seem to have the interest to work as an individual company, they have been stuck behind the scene as per people?s perception.

However, Lexus is up to creating a new stand to prove that they deserve to belong to the top international companies. Armored with dedication, they have re-launched the company last year and laid out new revitalization strategy. They have started participating in sponsorships of big event for brand recognition.

Lexus is now in its 24th year after being established in 1983. A few years after their debut, Lexus introduced the LS400 which boosted their name to competition with other carmakers in the luxury sedan segment. Opting to break into the automotive competition where Mercedes, BMW and Audi are lead participants; Toyota?s luxury arm came to realize that they would not be able to move freely towards the peak if they would be staying dependent. They therefore opened themselves for new strategies to gain what they longed to have.

Lexus has set forth their goal ?to create an individualized identity for the luxury car brand and grow the brand?s equity in the local market?. It has not been a ?just said?. They eventually swerved towards the right track. They have been able to establish 13 stand-alone dealerships in the entire country and seemingly desire more before 2009. The progress has been justified with the growing local sales figure, averaging 200 units each month at present.

CAR senior associate editor Mike Monk has said, ?Lexus is very serious about challenging the established names in the premium saloon market. No longer are Lexus? models stratospherically priced when compared with their rivals, which bodes well for the company?s plans to become more of a force on the local market.?

As part of Lexus? plans, they have tried bringing luxury through spa treatments and good food on programs like ?ladies day?. The Lexus GS300 is in big participation with this project.

There are people who judge a vehicle by its brand and make. It has been basically their primary standard of how good the car is. Unfortunately, the quality is out-shadowed by this attitude. They sometimes even criticize the durability of Lexus catalytic converter or anything else under the hood without even trying to drive the car. But for those who stick with the real thing, we get behind the wheel and eventually realize that it is as good as other top ranking car model.

To say that one will be impressed about the power behind the GS300 will be an understatement. The vehicle delivers a power output of 183 kW at 6 200 r/min, and a top speed reaching 235 km/h, hitting 0-100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds.

This Lexus model has great things to offer when it comes to safety. It is comprised with 10 airbags (two-stage Dual Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) front airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags; front and rear side airbags; and side curtain airbags) together with ABS, EBD and brake assist.

The Mazda6 model range could be one of the most exciting new vehicle models that were unveiled at the recent 2007 International Motor Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, IAA) in Frankfurt. Ford Motor Company’s Japanese affiliate automaker unveiled three model variants of the Mazda6 at IAA Frankfurt including the Mazda6 sedan, Mazda6 wagon, and Mazda6 hatchback, all equipped with a host of standard and available features inside and out.

The second generation Mazda6 models represent the Japanese automaker’s Zoom Zoom design characteristics. All body styles are now 65 mm longer, 15 mm wider, and 5 mm taller. Sedan and hatchback variants feature a longer wheelbase of about 50 mm. According to Mazda6’s Chief designer, Youichi Sato, the design theme of the vehicle is ?Bold and Exquisite?. He also said: ?Japanese aesthetics give new Mazda6 its unique visual identity. Rather than being derived from traditional sculpted forms, it stands apart from its rivals by straightforwardly expressing the Japanese aesthetic sense to embody a new and advanced character.?

Some exterior highlights of all Mazda6 models include flowing curves and prominent edges from the front end through the fenders, coupe style silhouette, and six side-window cabin design. Mazda6 models also features the best aerodynamic components in the segment. Mazda described the driving dynamics of the Mazda6 as ?Driving performance that creates oneness between the car and driver.? This can be achieved by providing excellent steering, handling, and brake performance. The car is equipped with a new horseshoe shaped air deflectors on the front wheels and other aero parts to ensure maximum grip.

Inside, Mazda6 models not only offer quality interior amenities and materials, but also a wide range of information and entertainment in-car systems. In addition, Mazda6 models are also equipped with functional and practical features. Interior highlights include Mazda?s Karakuri rear seat system (hatchback and estate), a one-touch seat-drop function from a latch in the boot panel, all-new boot tonneau cover for the estate that automatically moves up when the rear liftgate is opened, independent air temperature controls, optional advanced keyless entry system with engine start-stop button, BOSE premium sound system with eight speakers, CF-Net (Cross Functional Network), Bluetooth hands-free mobile-phone interface, and driver?s seat armrest with adjustable front-back slider mechanism. Moreover the Mazda6 also provides the best protection for its occupants during car troubles. The Mazda6 comes with a host of active and passive safety equipments like the large disc brakes, anti lock braking system (ABS), DSC, electronic traction control, brake assist, Mazda?s stiff and strong Triple-H body shell, new Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), new parking sensor, extensive field of vision, Mazda first active headrest, crushable brake and clutch pedals, and High-rigidity Mazda Advanced Impact energy Distribution and Absorption System.

Under the hood of the Mazda6 comes a wide range of powertrain options, depending on the customer’s preference. Mazda offers the new MZR 2.5-litre petrol engine with a bigger bore and a longer stroke, and produces 170 PS. Customers can also choose the 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engine variants, as well as the MZR-CD 2.0 turbo diesel engine. All engines are coupled with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. Mazda catalytic converter is also included to reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

For more than two weeks, the negotiations between General Motors and the United Auto Workers have been watched by people especially those in the automotive industry. Since the beginning, a strike had been planned in case the talks would not satisfy UAW representatives and its members. Last Monday, due to unresolved job security issues, the strike was put into action. With 73,000 employees walking out, analysts estimated that if the strike will take long, it will cause deep financial problems to the top US automaker.

GM can handle a week of strike, said automotive analysts. GM has sufficient manufactured cars to survive a short term strike and car makers have worked to keep their inventories low to lessen the costs making a prolonged strike a major problem.

?This really hurts the car dealers and the customer a lot because carmakers are stuck with the cars they have on their lots,? said said Rebecca Lindland, senior automotive analyst at consultancy Global Insight.

According to Paul Taylor, chief economist for the National Automotive Dealers Association, with GM?s 65 day inventory for its over-all light vehicles, it is still in good shape for its commercial customers. To add its 90 days worth of pick-up trucks available, GM is healthy.

GM?s Buick Enclave, a new crossover SUV that is garnering good press and has high market demand has only a 24-day supply said Taylor. The crossover SUV segment of GM is the only growing broad category of light vehicles. On the other hand, according to Edmonds.com, it is not only the Buick Enclave that is at risk if this strike continues, with low inventories of the GMC Acadia, Saturn Sky and the Saturn Vue, car shoppers may have difficulty in finding these models in case they want them.

?Generally, there will be a lasting loss of market share if there is a long work stoppage,? Taylor said.

?A week is OK, but a month starts to be problematic. There are other popular vehicles and new cars being launched, so more than a week or two starts to create difficulties for GM?s production schedule.?

The US auto industry is not very promising at the moment for the automakers due to the slowing down of in the housing sector that raises monthly mortgage payments that makes consumers put off buying a new car. According to Wards data, car sales are expected to slump from its annual rate of 16.5 million units last year to 16.1 million this year.

?So we are expecting a soft year in light vehicle sales and the strike will exacerbate that,? Taylor said.

?This is a brutally competitive industry in which a consumer is used to a large selection of cars and trucks, and now there is a bigger group of automakers manufacturing [profitable] full-size pickups than several years ago, so it?s important that a strike be stetted quickly in what is already a weak retail environment.?

The three US automakers, GM, Ford Motors (maker of top of the line Mercury catalytic converter) and Chrysler have combined losses of $15 billion last year. Their U.S market share fell to below 50 percent losing it their Asian rivals. Being the lead of the three companies, GM had been exerting efforts to work out the negotiations to recover from their loss and to prevent further losses.

The crossover segment has become hot recently and the automakers have outed several new models to keep up with the pace. Since there is a wide variety of models and makes to choose from, sometimes consumers now find themselves quite confused on which model to buy. Some models coming up include the 2007 Saturn Outlook and its close rival and near clone, the GMC Acadia. Along with the 2008 Buick Enclave (which arrived in the spring) and an upcoming Chevrolet version, the Saturn and GMC models will be replacing GM’s entire lineup of conventional truck-based midsize SUVs, including Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier.

Last year was the first time that the sales on crossovers were able to outsell those of the truck-based SUVs. And, the vehicles among the segment rapidly gained the interest of the customers from both urban and suburban American community. Auto makers foresee that this trend will continue to flourish this year; that’s why they are now setting aside plans for the likes of the Ford Explorer, the Dodge Durango and other GM models.

Customers are shifting to crossovers because it offers better fuel economy much more than the truck-based SUVs. Fuel economy has become a priority for custmers what with the soaring and unstable gasoline prices.

The Saturn Outlook and Vue, of which basically focused on the Saturn Outlook XR front-wheel-drive version and priced $29,555 plus $735 freight, provided the Saturn dealers their first midsize SUV. Setting the crossover as a priority more than the aging TrailBlazer platform, Saturn is said to be far more looking to the future.

As with the Outlook and Acadia, these models are closely compared since they are made on the same architecture and assembly line. However, they have their own uniqueness when it comes to styling cues and interior packages and it is where they are differentiated. Both the models are equipped with GM’s 3.6 L V6 engine with variable valve timing. Such engine has been designed to provide optimum fuel economy as well as low emissions and “exceptional smoothness”.

For the Outlook, two configurations of its engine are held available: “The entry-level XE model (base price &27,255 plus freight) comes with a single exhaust outlet,” as what has been mentioned in seattlepi.com. Such engine could produce 263 hp and 244 ft-lb of torque.

When the XR was tested, the engine ratings climbed to 267 hp and 247 ft-lb of torque as a second exhaust outlet has been added. This makes the model same as with the Acadia. And, both have an engine that connects to a six-speed automatic transmission and both also offer either front- or all-wheel drive.

The XR version of the Outlook model has a starting price of $31,555, about $2,000 greater than the XE model with all-wheel drive.

Enhanced stability has been provided for the Outlook and Acadia as both have a long wheelbase with wide tracks. Both also come with a front suspension, including MacPherson struts, a stabilizer bar and aluminum steering knuckles. And, on the rear, a compact, linked “H” suspension design is significant.

Aside from being equipped with premium Saturn catalytic converter, the standard features provided for the Outlook and Acadia include power rack-and-pinion steering, GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with anti-rollover technology, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and OnStar navigation/communications system.

Safety features have also been provided. It includes tire-pressure monitoring system and six standard air bags (two dual-stage frontal air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two roof rail air bags covering all three rows of seating).

Both Outlook and Acadia can tow trailers weighing a maximum of 4,500 lbs, when optionally equipped with towing package.

On the inside, adjustable seats have been provided along with the roomy space for the convenience of passengers together with children for the third row. They make a total of 177 cubic feet cabin space.

A convenience package is offered for XR model which provides additional standard items such as power tailgate, rear park assist, remote start, heated wiper fluid and a 155-volt power outlet.

All characteristics hold the GM models highly competitive as a rival for the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot.

British automaker Land Rover, subsidiary of Ford Motor Company?s Premier Automotive Group (PAG) will unveil their newest concept model at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this coming January 2008. The Land Rover LRX concept will make its world premiere at the most prestigious motor show in the United States and will stir the crowd in Detroit. According to Land Rover, the LRX concept is a vision of the company’s future and the “bold evolution” of Land Rover’s design that indicates the “progressive shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values.” In addition, the Land Rover LRX concept will mark the British automaker’s 60th anniversary.

Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director said: “The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles. The LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover.”

Popham added: “LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you’d expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where the brand has never been before, and with a proposed level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class.”

The new Land Rover LRX concept that is heading to Detroit features a three-door body styling with several components that made this striking model more compact, and lighter. The new LRX is smaller than the popular LR2 model, which will answer the needs of customers in the segment. Overall, the new Land Rover combines the aggressive characteristics and capability of a 4×4 vehicle and the concept of a large vehicle, in a compact model. Land Rover expects that this quality will be the vehicle’s assets during its launch in world wide market. Moreover, the compact size of the Land Rover LRX concept will have an appeal to customers, especially in the United Kingdom who wanted a versatile sport utility vehicle (SUV) model carrying a Land Rover nameplate.

Unfortunately, the British automaker did not release detailed specs and features of the new LRX concept. Land Rover only states some of the highlights of the LRX concept, which include reduced aerodynamic drag, smaller frontal area, improved fuel efficiency, reduced harmful exhaust emissions, and sustainability focused technologies. Car fans should watch out for the Land Rover LRX at 2008 NAIAS, because the automaker said that the features, specs, and full details of this new concept model will be released during the show. Anyway, customers can upgrade their auto parts (like GMC Jimmy catalytic converter) while waiting for the LRX to arrive in dealerships here in the U.S.

Volkswagen is world renowned for its design, safety features and innovative technology. And as proof of this, the largest German automaker has unveiled its cleanest diesel ever at the recent North American International Auto Show. The Jetta TDI which will be made available in the US market by spring of 2008 meets the emission standards set in all 50 states including the strictest ?TIER 2/BIN 5? or ?LEV II/LEV? requirement that limits nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions to 0.50g/mile.

And take note, the diesel Jetta meets the lowest emissions standards without the use of urea injection. Instead it makes use of a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst that reduces NOx emissions by up to 90%. This vehicle is also equipped with an engine management system that alters operating modes to treat the NOx that has been stored in the Volkswagen catalytic converter . A particulate filter is added in the exhaust system to further reduce emissions.

The Jetta TDI is just one of the products of the BLUETEC offensive that is jointly initiated by Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. The main objective of this partnership is to establish the BLUETEC concept as a uniform label for clean and highly fuel effcicient diesel powered cars and SUVs with 50 compliant engines. BLUETEC symbolized diesel power plants that comply with the strictest emissions regulations of the US market. The technologies indiviaully developed by each manufacturer are designed to reduce specifically NOx which is an exhaust element that is more common in vehicles that make use of diesel engines.

Volkswagen will unveil its clean diesel concept compact SUV, the Tiguan at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. It will be made available in the US in the middle of 2008. The German automaker has a 30-year history when it comes to providing the US market with efficient and durable diesel vehicles—which accounts for almost 20% of Volkswagen?s sale in the US.

Blast from the Past

In other Volkswagen news, the automaker?s subsidiary in America has announced recently a national search for two significant vehicles from its diesel-powered past as part of its 30th anniversary celebration. The Volkswagen of America, Inc. has been selling diesel-powered passenger cars in the US for over thirty years now.

The announcement was made at the 2007 Washington Auto Show. Volkswagen of America said that there are two categories—the oldest running Volkswagen diesel vehicle and the Volkswagen diesel with the highest accumulated mileage.

According to Keith Price, public relations manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc., “Volkswagen has a long history of selling diesel-powered vehicles in the United States. These durable vehicles are capable of providing years and years of reliable service. We anticipate an enormous response from our owners.?

The search for the oldest Volkswagen diesel vehicle in the US is open to all registered, running vehicles. The requirements for the category ?Volkswagen diesel with highest accumulated mileage?: The mileage must be documented and verifiable with an accurate odometer reading, and supporting historical service records and/or logbook. And the most important Volkswagen vehicles that are to join in the said search must be equipped with the original engines.

Contest begins on March 1. Interested owners may submit their information online at Volkswagen web site (www.vw.com). Applicants may fill up a form with contact and vehicle data plus upload the digital pictures of their diesel Volkswagen. Out from the participating owners a pool of finalists will be chosen. They will be requested to visit their authorized local Volkswagen dealer to have their vehicles and documentation validated.

Interested owners have a total of four months to file their applications. The two lucky owners will be given the chance to use a 2007 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI for six months. The said contest is the automaker?s way of thanking the buying public for continuously patronizing diesel-powered Volkswagen vehicles for over thirty years. The company has sold over 813, 476 diesel powered Volkswagens in the US alone.

About Volkswagen of America

Volkswagen of America Inc. was founded in 1955 and made it?s headquarter in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is also one of the world?s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe?s largest automaker. Some of its famous products include Rabbit, New Beetle Convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Toureg which are offered through 600 independent US dealers.

With these days? in dire need for ?environmental cars?, Volvo Cars Driving Academy is having a growing demand for its eco-driving course.

Tommy Andersson, chief instructor at the Volvo Cars Driving Academy, commented it is possible to lessen fuel costs and have a better effect on the environment through changing one’s driving motive.

The Volvo Cars Driving Academy is a relatively unknown division of Volvo Cars’ operations. It has been around in various forms since 1989 giving instructions in winter driving, safety driving, and security driving.

Andersson explains the academy offers a wide variety of courses every year for professional drivers and private individuals. He explained further safety driving is still their biggest-seller, but the demand for eco-driving is increasing.

VEAB Mark & Tr

Avanti Motors the maker of Avanti catalytic converter can trace its roots back to the year 1962 when the first Avanti, which was at that time a product of the legendary Studebaker auto manufacturer, was launched.

The present Avanti is more of a modern tribute to the original revolutionary vehicle styled by Raymond Loewy. The 2007 Avanti still possess most of the original car?s unique lines such as the circular headlamps, the asymmetrical bonnet bulge, the absence of a front grill, and the coke bottle profile.

The 2007 Avanti is still built on a Mustang chassis. And its standard and only powertrain is the regular Mustang 300-horsepower, 3-valve, V8, with 5-speed automatic transmission. The car is available in a convertible model, in a standard Mustang top, or a coup with a unique side and back roof.

The technical specifications are identical except for the 245/40-18 and 275/40-18 tires fr/rr. The interior is also in standard Mustang GT with the Avanti logo sewn into the door and seat panels. The dashboard is made up of wood eliminating the large chrome rings around the speedo and tach.

Each Avanti is assembled by a team of highly dedicated craftsmen at the production facility located in Cancun, Mexico. They produce just 150 Avantis each year thus ensuring the exclusivity of the vehicle.

The originally produced Avanti was conceived as the American alternative to the luxury sports cars of the UK and continental Europe. The current Avanti continues that role.

Details on the 2007 Avanti Convertible and Coupe

Avanti Convertible

Engine Specifications:

Engine type: 4.6 OHV 24V VB

Engine Electronics: EEV-V

Displacement: 4.6L (281 cu. in.)

Horsepower (SAE net@rpm): 300@5750

Torque (lb-ft@rpm): 320@4500

Compression Ratio: 9.8:1

Bore and Stroke (in.): 3.6×3.6

Main Bearings: 5

Valve Lifters: Hydraulic with Roller Finger Followers

Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-part Electronic Fuel Injection

Recommended Fuel: Unleaded Regular

Exhaust: Dual Stainless Steel

Fuel Economy: 17/25 manual; 18/23 auto

Transmission Type: 5-speed automatic

Engine Block Material: Aluminum

Cylinder head material: Cast Aluminum

Avanti Coupe

Engine Specifications:

Engine Type: 4.6 OHV 24V VB

Engine Electronics: EEV-V

Displacement: 4.6L (281 cu. in.)

Horsepower (SAE net@rpm): 300@5750

Torque (lb-ft@rpm): 320@4500

Compression Ratio: 9.8:1

Bore and Stroke (in.): 3.6×3.6

Main Bearings: 5

Valve Lifters: Hydraulic with Roller Finger Followers

Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-part Electronic Fuel Injection

Recommended Fuel: Unleaded Regular

Exhaust: Dual Stainless Steel

Fuel Economy: 17/25 manual; 18/23 auto

Transmission Type: 5-speed automatic

Engine Block Material: Aluminum

Cylinder head material: Cast Aluminum

At a recently held press conference in the Max Schemeling Halle in Berlin, Volkswagen’s subsidiary SEAT together with the Columbian pop artist Shakira presented the prize in the fundraising campaign for Shakira’s charity foundation, Pies Descalzos (Bare Feet) a unique SEAT Leon Pies Descalzos.

Shakira said during the press conference, “The support for Pies Descalzos is very welcome. The need for education and proper nutrition for the children in my home country Colombia is very big and I trust that SEAT’s initiative will aid a lot.”

“By supporting Shakira’s charity foundation, we show our social responsibility”, commented Erich Schmitt, SEAT’s president. “We use our massive advertising campaign in all European countries that will be visited by Shakira to incorporate the possibility to donate money to Pies Descalzos.”

A one-of-a-kind car

The Leon Pies Descalzos was built by SEAT in partnership with Shakira. Shakira has helped during the designing process. She acted as the consultant on colors and materials. The standard SEAT LeonCupra was transformed into a completely new car which could be won by one very lucky person chosen in the scheduled fund raising campaign in May. The promotion for the upcoming fund raising event has started after Shakira makes it a part of her first European Tour concert in Hamburg. The fund raising event is going to be promoted in all communication channels through the integrated advertising campaigh that SEAT has launched. The fund raising event will end on May 15 and one lucky winner will take home the Leon Pies Descalzos. The awarding will commence during the Barcelona Motor Show which is scheduled in the beginning of June.

Countries that are welcomed to participate in fund raising event are as follows: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Donate 1 Euro and Win a Leon Pies Descalzos

Interested participants in the Bare Feet fundraising event may be able to win the Leon Pies Descalzos by donating money to charity foundation through SEAT’s campaign. Those who would like to donate may either send through SMS via dedicated number in each country and donate 1 Euro or log on to dedicated Shakira/SEAT website-www.catch-the-fever.com- where philanthropists may donate any amount they want through their credit cars.

The Leon Pies Descalzos that SEAT is donating to the fundraising campaign represents a value of 27,300 Euros in its equivalent version on the Spanish market. During the press conference in Berlin, Erich Schmitt handed over a cheque with the same amount to Shakira to give the fundraising a good start.

Leon Pies Descalzos the most powerful road-going SEAT today

The base used for the Leon Pies Descalzos is same as those of the León Cupra. This car has already made its mark in history books by being the Spanish brand’s most powerful road-going car to date. With a 240hp (177kW) the all new Cupra model incorporate all of SEAT’s expertise in creating cars with an overtly sporty attitude.

The modifications in the Leon Pies Descalzos include the exterior color, which comes in a unique lilac metallic color. This color is also present on several details in the interior such as the dashboard and the back of the seats. Its standard 18 inch wheels are painted in black. The logo of Shakira’s charity foundation is incorporated in the seats as well as in several places on the exterior.

The Bare Feet Foundation

Shakira’s Bare Foot Foundation was founded in Columbia. This organization is devoted to finding and providing opprtunities for children in Columbia. This charity foundation takes its root from Barranquilla whihc is a hometown of Shakira on the Caribbean coast of Columbia. The foundation has also expanded reaching other parts of the country. The main objective of the foundationis to improve the education, nutrition as well as the lives of thousands of displaced children who are living dangerous conditions in Columbia.

About Shakira:

Shakira is one of the most successful Columbian young artists to date. She has chosen SEAT, the Spanish automotive brand and subsidiary of Volkswagen, as the main sponsor of her 2007 Shakira “Oral Fixation” European Tour. The tour started recently and scheduled to end on March 18. Shakira will be traveling through more than 10 European countries where concerts will be held on the most well known European cities and venues.

About SEAT

SEAT is part of the major subsidiaries of Europe’s giant automaker, Volkswagen. The German automaker is renowned for its high quality lines of automobiles and top-of-the-line auto parts like its Volkswagen catalytic converter. The acquisition of SEAT together with the rest of other famous brands like Bentley, Skoda, Lamborghini and Audi has helped Volkswagen to become the global force it is today.