There's an avalanche of new cars to be revealed at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, as manufacturers try to breathe new life into an industry facing uncertain economic times. Here are the main contenders pitching new models they hope will stimulate sales for the coming year.

Ford
At the vanguard of pushing new products, the US giant will debut four new models although, so far, it's keeping details well under wraps. There will be a new Focus ST performance model and a major design concept on view.

Jaguar
The British sports car manufacturer could steal the spotlight, thanks to its stunning Jaguar C-X16 concept. This compact two-seat sports car previews the sort of model Jaguar fans have been waiting for years to see. And, it's no design exercise as a production car based on the concept could be on sale as soon as next year, albeit probably without the hybrid technology premiered at Frankfurt.

Vauxhall
Vauxhall will debut the eagerly awaited Astra GTC sports coupe, the Zafira Tourer, a production-ready version of the electric Ampera and seven new economical ecoFLEX models. The GTC will come with petrol and diesel engines ranging from 117 to 177bhp while the Zafira Tourer enjoys a new Flex7 seating system. Both cars will be in UK showrooms later this year.

Volkswagen
VW will show the up! city car. With a compact footprint of just 3.54 x 1.64 m, the up! will come in three levels starting with the 'take up!', then the 'move up!' and ultimately the 'high up!' with the option of 'up! black' or up! white' special editions. A new generation of three-cylinder petrol engines, 57-72bhp will feature on launch models. An optional City Emergency Braking system to avoid collisions up to 18mph is a first for the up! in its sector.

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Honda
The first view of the ninth-generation Civic is bound to cause a stir as the Japanese factory seeks to build on the 20 million models sold since the first car was launched in 1972. Designed exclusively for the European market, no firm details have yet been released except that they're promising improved quality, passenger and luggage space, economy, comfort and ride improvements compared with the outgoing model.

Porsche
Frankfurt will host the world Premiere of the latest Porsche 911, a new generation of the evolutionary sports car. Innovative manufacturing techniques have cut its weight by as much as 45kg. Engineering expertise and that lower weight will see both performance and economy improve - the Holy Grail for every new sports car. Going on sale in the UK in December, the Porsche 911 Carrera will cost from £71,449.

Peugeot
Due to go on sale in Spring 2012, the Peugeot 508 RXH gets its public debut at September's show. The third model in the 508 range joins the saloon and estate and offers a raised ride height, hybrid diesel and electric powertrain with 200bhp and four-wheel drive.

Mazda
We will see the debut of the new CX-5 compact crossover Mazda say is the first of a new generation of vehicles using a new design ethos and its SKYACTIV engine technology. The CX-5 will sport all new chassis, engines and transmission options.

Toyota
The leader of the hybrid vehicle will show for the first time its Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) featuring a new battery capability to extend the car's economy to a claimed 128.4mpg and reducing emissions to just 49g/km of C02. Toyota says the plug-in hybrid solves the range issues of electric cars while extending the fuel economy of the petrol auxiliary engine for use as a long-distance vehicle.

Hyundai
A radically redesigned i30 will be unveiled boasting the company's new 'fluidic sculpture' design signature, first seen on the Hyundai i40 Tourer. While the i30 will retain Hyundai's hexagonal front grille, the new design ethos will seek to use 'flowing lines inspired by nature and modern architecture to give a constant three-dimensional presence'.

Suzuki
The Swift Sport will make its debut. Using the 1.6-litre petrol engine, the Sport will boast 136bhp and be able to crack the 60mph barrier in 8.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 125mph. To cope with the power increase, the suspension has been lowered and stiffened.

Chevrolet
An all-new range-topping Malibu saloon will be unveiled in a bid to underpin the American factory's ambitions as a premium brand. The car will boast better aerodynamics, a dual cockpit interior, improved material quality and better performance and efficiency from its four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

SEAT
The Exeo will be revealed with a facelift and a host of engineering upgrades. Bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime driving lights, new alloy wheel designs and improved interior quality will be complemented by a 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel engine boasting a claimed 57.6mpg fuel economy and emissions of C02 of only 129g/km.