By Jorn Madslien BBC News business reporter at the Geneva motor show

Among the model launches seen as significant, there is the new Honda Civic, which will be built in Swindon, UK.

The Japanese car maker has transformed the Civic's design to make it look more like a sports car than a five-seat minivan, a clear hint at the trend where car makers are moving away from the overly tall people carrier styling that has become so popular in recent years.

"The old Civic was the highest in its segment, but the trend is changing now," points out Go!Kom Automotive Communication's Istok Golic, an independent automotive consultant specialising in how the car industry's marketing machine communicates.

"Height is not everything anymore."

Crossovers

Ford's concept Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) confirms that the trend is moving towards crossover vehicles, which offer minivan convenience, with between five and eight seats and plenty of luggage space, while retaining a car-like look and feel.

Industry pundits gather for the latest unveilings

Even those who entered the small people carrier segment early, like Opel (Vauxhall) with its flexible seven-seat Zafira, are making their cars gradually lower, says Mr Golic.

Vauxhall and others already have similar models for sale, but it is significant because it affirms a clear trend away from ordinary saloons or hatchbacks, and as such spells the death of Mondeo man.

Industry observers insist that as the mass market in Europe becomes increasingly dominated by crossover cars, only posh people will be driving saloons.

Indeed, although the premium car makers will continue making them, even they are getting ready for the crossover market.

Mercedes' B-class, which was first seen as a concept at the Paris motor show in September, is an example of how the US-German car maker DaimlerChrysler sees the future.

The car is fairly high at its highest point, but it quickly tapers off to make it look sportier, says Mr Golic, adding that he sees a similar trend in Audi's Sportback.

Earlier this week, BMW told BBC News it is preparing a similar launch of its own.

Crowded market

The arrival of several tiny cars that are particularly suitable for European cities is another trend clearly visible at the Geneva show.

Old styles mix with the new as the show celebrates its 75th birthday

Several car makers are showing off ever smaller cars; with Renault's Z17 three-seat concept suggesting that the car maker is preparing to build a car that is even smaller than its Clio model.

Fellow French car maker PSA's Peugeot 1007 and Citroen C1 mini-cars join with Toyota's Aygo in making the tiny car market very crowded indeed.