There are already those who compare the new electric model to 'carocha'

Autoeuropa lost the T-Roc electric model to the Wolfsburg factory in Germany, but won the new id.every1 model. To which the sunrise has learned, for many it is seen as the new 'carocha', in terms of impact on the brand as it has all the potential to be iconic and fundamental to the brand and whose production was being disputed by the Czech and Slovakian Republic. Source linked to the process recalls that factories are always in competition and earns the most capable, the most competitive to produce the new model. «Cars are not attributed by decree, contrary to what many think and how the Autoeuropa factory produces OO T-ROC thought that it would also make the electric. But things don't work like this, the car that goes to Autoeuropa was in a contest with several factories and was a hard competition, ”he says.

According to the Palmela factory, « the launch of this model is part of the ambitious Volkswagen plane to introduce nine new models by 2027, including four electric vehicles based on the modern Modular Electric Platform (MEB) with front-wheel drive », referring to « a historical moment in the factory life. This achievement represents a milestone for Volkswagen Autoeuropa, marking our entry into the era of electrification.

A measure applauded by the Ministry of Economy by stating that « of a settlement, the Portuguese economy gains the guarantee of production of a new electric vehicle, which ensures the future of the Setúbal unit of a new generation factory of Volkswagen, and a huge value chain of national suppliers for many years. »

Source linked to the process also admits that it is an essential car for the brand and the Palmela factory is a model that will democratize access to urban electric mobility, since it is small and presents 'sympathetic autonomy for the 250 to 300 kilometers urban circle, hence it is important for the brand and the group'. And it explains that it is not for Portugal to produce the T-ROC combustion that would have to produce the electric model. «These are completely different platforms and investments. Making an electric car has nothing to do with a combustion car or a hybrid. It would be necessary to make a large investment to it, although Palmela factory produces the T-ROC », he points out.

'More jobs'
The Workers Commission also sees this decision to receive a new electric model such as « the continuity of betting on this industrial park », adding that « the attribution of new models to the Palmela factory confirms the confidence that the VW group has in the work of excellence developed by Portuguese workers over the years. » But he leaves a warning: “We are aware of the various problems that the automotive industry is going through this transformation in the transition to electric vehicles. Changes for the production of electric cars should take into consideration the maintenance of employment and the creation of more jobs with rights and good working conditions.

Already the coordinating committee of the workers' committees of the VW Autoeuropa Industrial Park says that this bet shows a continuity in a bet on this space. This news arises after Autoeuropa's supplier companies have criticized business loss by the company Vanpro, a car seat supplier for three decades, which could lead to the loss of about 475 jobs at the end of 2025 with the new model that will be produced at the Palmela factory.
It is recalled that Autoeuropa currently has a turnover of about 3.8 billion euros and 4,842 employees. It produced 236,100 units last year, or about 4% of national exports and represented 1.3% of the GDP of 2023.