Audi Q3 to Be Produced in Martorell, Spain, Official Launch in 2011

Audi Q3 is said to be based on Cross Coupé quattro concept

Audi has just confirmed that the new Q3 small SUV will be manufactured by the Spanish production facility in Martorell starting with 2011. The plant has an annual production capacity of up to 80,000 units, with the total investment amounting to 300 million euros.

"Starting in 2011, the Audi Q3 will be produced to Audi quality standards at the Martorell factory. This gives us additional flexibility regarding future decisions about products. We will begin preparing at once," Audi Board Member for Production Frank Dreves said.

This decision isn't only important for the German premium car manufacturer but also for the local economy as Audi already confirmed that building the Q3 in Spain will help it preserve more than 1,000 workers at its local plants.

"We are counting on this Spanish site’s efficiency, the excellent quality of the Production department, and its highly trained staff. We will use the Group’s synergies to sharpen our competitive edge and help protect around 1,200 jobs. The decision furthermore safeguards workplaces at other Audi locations," Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at Audi AG, stated.

The Q3 will be the third model in the Q series belonging to Audi, following the Q7 - recently facelifted and presented at the Shanghai Auto Show - currently manufactured in Bratislava, Slovakia, and the Q5 launched last year and produced in Ingolstadt, Germany.

Technical details are yet to be unveiled but, if judging by the rumors, the car will come in a choice of several engine configurations, starting with a 2.0-liter unit - similar to the one installed on Volkswagen Golf - and ending with the flagship 3.6-liter V6 to develop up to 280 horsepower. Obviously, the car is expected to be offered with four-wheel drive, but a front-wheel drive system is likely to become available as standard.