While the eyes of the automotive world focus on new small, less polluting and more fuel efficient cars, it is the fate of two brands at the opposite end of the spectrum which is likely to occupy the thoughts of many Midlanders at this week's Geneva Motor Show.

The exhibition, which begins today, is likely to be the last major event where Jaguar Land Rover are displayed under the ownership of Ford.

An announcement confirming that the two marques are to become the property of Indian conglomerate Tata is thought to be imminent.

The protracted sale, initiated by a cash-strapped Ford, could generate around £1 billion for the Blue Oval, still a long way short of what it needs to fill the black hole in its finances but which will nevertheless ease worries.

Unions at Jaguar Land Rover have been seeking assurances from the Indian suitor that it will protect jobs by investing in a long-term UK production plan.

They have also been keen to protect the integrity of the JLR supply chain to guarantee the jobs of thousands of work-ers in the vital components industry.

The requirements appear to have been met and providing there are no last minute obstacles then an agreement could be made very shortly.

On a practical level, while small cars continue to dominate the agenda, Land Rover will be hoping for great things from its own mini-SUV, the LRX, which has its European debut at the show. Jaguar will also be seeking further praise for its already award-winning XF, which is receiving rave reviews wherever it goes.

For current parent Ford, the show is very important. Away from its luxury models, its mass market credentials are expected to be underlined with the unveiling of a redesigned Ford Fiesta.

Designed and developed in Europe for sale in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010, the new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford's new global product development process.

The new Ford Kuga crossover is the latest addition to the C-car line-up and is appearing alongside the entire new Focus range, including, for the first time, the restyled coupe-cabriolet which will also have its public debut.

Tata is also using the event to showcase its own new products - the ultra-cheap Nano and the revamped Indica, both of which were unveiled in Delhi in January but which get their European debut in Switzerland. The Indica could go on sale in the UK later this year or early 2009, although this has yet to be finalised.

Elsewhere, a redesigned Volkswagen Scirocco, the sport compact model that was a bestseller from its launch in 1974 until 1992, could be one of the stars of the show, as could the Nissan Motor Co GT-R sportscar, which pulled the crowds at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.

Fiat will revive its Albarth badge for a high-powered version of the Fiat 500 city car, while it will also be reintroducing another old classic, the Lancia Delta. Renault rolls out a new Clio and Twingo Sports version.

Nissan will take the Infiniti luxury brand to Europe with the world debut of the FX model while at the other extreme, Toyota will unveil the world premiere of a prototype small car, iQ, set for production in 2008.

These cars now make up 36.5 per cent of the western European market, up from 34 per cent in 2005, and the portion is set to increase in part because carmakers can reduce their overall CO2 emissions - and EU penalties - by selling more smaller cars in their product mix.

For those unconcerned by emissions levels, Rolls-Royce will be launching its new V12 Phantom Coupe, while parent BMW will also be unveiling an M3 cabriolet and the X6 off-road coupe.

Citroen has a new Berlingo and the C5 Break, while Peugeot has the sportswagen version of the 308 to show off. Saab will be displaying its green credentials with a compact, ethanol-powered 9-1X.

The new Honda Accord will be shown, both in saloon and estate version, while the manufacturer will also be showing off its CR-Z hybrid concept car and the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell car.

Mercedes has new generations of its SL roadster and CLS four door-coupe, plus the SLK 350 small roadster and former sports coupe, the CLC.