Construction works on the Palmela factory ran on schedule and all the european standards regarding safety and environmental protection were met. The plant is divided into four main production areas: Pressshop, Bodyshop, Paintshop, and Final Assembly.

The plant and equipment were designed using advanced technology and incorporating the latest developments in automation and computerised production control, in order to meet the high standards required on manufacturing a quality product.

In order to establish the plant's layout, concepts, methods and procedures, several teams of specialists studied some of the more productive industrial complexes in the world. The best features which were found have been used at VW Autoeuropa, making this complex one of the more competitive, at any level, both in Europe and the World.

Since its inauguration, VW Autoeuropa has been the target of several investment agreements between Volkswagen and the Portuguese state, namely in the end of 2003 and most recently, in November of 2007, anticipating the arrival of new models to the plant.

Those investments aimed the setlement of new production infrastructures, equipment modernization and the training of the employees in order to turn the production lines and methods each time more efficient and increase the competences of its employees.
VW Autoeuropa's philosophy of continuous improvement has been placing it as one of the companies of the Volkswagen group in the leading edge in several productivity indicators.