Poole Audi will create the first centre of its kind in the region and only the fourth site to be opened in the UK following the increasing use of aluminium in new cars. So far, only a small number of mainstream models – such as the Audi A2 and A8, Jaguar XJ and BMW 5-series – use aluminium, but the £20m turnover retailer expects half of all premium cars to use the lightweight metal by 2010.

Free collection and return service within a 70-mile radius will be provided for all customers with aluminium vehicles. A total of 50 car-parking spaces will also be available.

David Kelly, Poole Audi managing director, says: “The rising use of aluminium in vehicle production means there is a new demand for specialist body repairs. Repairing aluminium-bodied cars is not the same as steel panelled cars. The process requires a lot more specialist skills and knowledge.”

Staff will be sent to Germany for extensive training and a total of 25 new jobs will be created taking the number of employees to 75. The 1.5-acre site, called Poole Accident Repair Centre, will initially look after Audi, VW, Seat and Skoda cars. There will also be a new and used car preparation centre.