Audi will have its A1 hatchback built at Seat’s Martorell plant following the success of the decision to build its Q3 SUV at the Spanish brand’s facility.

Production of the A1, which is currently being built in Brussels, is set to begin in 2018 and Audi expects a high-level production volume for upcoming years in the Martorell plant.

Audi also reported that production of the Audi Q3, that has been manufactured in Martorell since mid-2011, will shift to Hungary's Györ facilities.

With an annual forecast of 100,000 units, since production of the Q3 began in Martorell, the factory has exceeded the initial figures by reaching a total production output of 478,000 units.

Seat executive committee chairman Luca de Meo said: “The full confidence placed in Seat and the Martorell plant by Audi and the Volkswagen Group. Production of the A1 is magnificent news and will bring us more volume and greater income in the next few years".

Seat Vice-President for Production, Dr Andreas Tostmann, said: “The allocation of the Audi A1 is recognition of the excellent work done by the Seat team in Martorell in the production of the Q3 over the last years.

“We are very pleased with the allocation of this new model, which will be manufactured with the highest quality standards that Martorell stands for.”