Audi is setting up a specialist bodyshop network to carry out major accident repair work on the new aluminium A2.

A spokesman said that existing Audi Centre bodyshops were able to carry out “85% of so of all repairs” on the A2, launched last month.

“But if there is damage to the spaceframe then the car will need to go to a specialist centre,” he added.

The A2 is built from lightweight aluminium to boost performance and economy. “A2 owners ought to visit their local Audi centre if they are involved in an accident,” said the spokesman.

“That centre will get in touch with the Audi repair centre, if necessary, who will collect the car.”

Audi plans to set up a network of five outlets around the UK, linked to Audi centres.

It already has a site in Milton Keynes that was set up around five years ago to handle repairs for the A8 executive saloon, which also has an aluminium spaceframe. The A2 is predicted to retail between 2,000-4,000 units next year, compared to the 406 A8 models sold in the first six months of this year.

“If sales volumes increase, we may need to look again at the number of centres,” said the spokesman. He was unable to put a figure on the likely investment required, but Audi is believed to be contributing to the set-up costs.