Manufacturers announce auto launches ahead of Frankfurt show

LONDON, England (CNN) -- A number of car manufacturers have announced model launches ahead of next month's Frankfurt Motor Show. The biannual expo is second only to the annual Geneva Motor Show in its importance to the motor industry in Europe.

Unveilings expected at the 10-day event include the third-generation Renault Laguna, the BMW X6 SUV and Jaguar's critical XF saloon.

Chevrolet, which in Europe sells cars produced by GM's Korean division (formerly known as Daewoo) will be using the show to launch its new Aveo supermini. The model will go on sale in spring 2008 with a choice of two engines -- a 1.2-liter gasoline engine developing 84PS and a 1.4-liter unit developing 98PS.

Volkswagen is set to unveil six new diesel models featuring BlueMotion fuel-saving technology, including a Golf that does 62.8 mpg while emitting just 199g/km. The Golf BlueMotion will cost just €315 more than the standard diesel Golf 1.9 TDI.

Saab is hoping to refresh its rather tired model range with an attempt to rekindle memories of its legendary 'black turbos'. Thirty years after Saab first put a turbo unit in a 99, it is to launch a Turbo X version of its 9-3 saloon.

Mazda is set to unveil the new generation Mazda6. The family saloon, based on the same platform as the critically-acclaimed new Ford Mondeo, is intended to compete against the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Passat. Teaser images suggest it has a softer, more fluid design than that of the Mondeo.

Kia will be showing its most convincing-looking effort to date -- the three door variant of the awkwardly-named C'eed -- the even more awkwardly-named Pro-C'eed. The Korean manufacturer will also be showing a concept sports coupe, intended to flag the new design direction led by Kia's design officer, Peter Schreyer.

Suzuki, the world's 12th-largest auto manufacturer, will be unveiling its new Splash mini-MPV. The new car replaces the Wagon-R and will also be badged as an Opel and Vauxhall Agila. Suzuki will also unveil its Kisazhi concept car, a bold proposal for a D-segment (family saloon) model. Suzuki has traditionally been known for its compact cars and small SUVs.

The Frankfurt Motor Show runs from September 13 to September 23 at the Frankfurt Fairground in Frankfurt, Germany. E-mail to a friend