Volkswagen Autoeuropa Paint Operations to Gain Dürr’s EcoBell4 Pro, EcoSmartCure and DXQcontrol Solutions

The EcoSmartCure straight-through oven reduces energy consumption through demand-based temperature control.

(IN BRIEF) Dürr is building a turnkey paint shop for Volkswagen Autoeuropa in Palmela, Portugal, while also implementing a comprehensive software solution that will integrate three paint shop areas into one unified SCADA environment. The project combines Dürr’s advanced EcoBell4 Pro Hu 2x2K clear coat technology, designed to apply both glossy and matte clear coats with one applicator, with the electrically heated EcoSmartCure drying system to reduce energy consumption, drying times and CO₂ emissions. The EcoBell4 Pro system uses Dürr’s High Transfer Efficiency principle and can achieve application efficiencies of up to 90%, while reducing shaping air consumption by 30%. Dürr’s DXQcontrol software will connect the new paint shop, the existing main paint system and the two-tone roof-painting system into one platform, improving transparency, efficiency and flexibility. The project also includes an offline measurement cell, paint mixing room, work platforms and internal conveyor systems, and is scheduled for completion by mid-2027.

(PRESS RELEASE) BIETIGHEIM-BISSINGEN, 19-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Dürr is delivering a turnkey paint shop for Volkswagen Autoeuropa in Palmela, Portugal, combining advanced paint application technology, energy-efficient drying systems and a comprehensive cross-plant software integration.

The project is designed to support Volkswagen Autoeuropa’s preparations for future model launches while improving resource efficiency, reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing process transparency across the factory’s paint operations. In 2024, the plant produced 236,100 vehicles, equivalent to an average of 955 vehicles per day.

The new paint shop will use Dürr’s latest application and drying technologies, together with a modern SCADA software architecture that integrates three separate paint shop areas into one unified system. The project covers the new paint shop, the existing main paint system and a separate two-tone system used for roof painting.

For the clear coat process, Volkswagen Autoeuropa will use Dürr’s EcoBell4 Pro Hu with 2x2K technology. The system allows both glossy and matte clear coats to be applied with a single applicator, while reducing the use of rinsing agents during product changes.

The high-speed rotary atomizer operates using Dürr’s High Transfer Efficiency principle, achieving application efficiencies of up to 90%. Its HTE-optimised operating parameters, specialised bell disc and shaping air ring system allow for lower rotational speed, shorter painting distance and a 30% reduction in shaping air consumption.

This approach reduces the amount of clear coat required per vehicle body. It also cuts overspray, which lowers the need for air treatment and creates further energy savings during the painting process.

Dürr is also installing an electrically heated EcoSmartCure system for body drying. The straight-through oven uses a stop-and-go operating concept and provides targeted heating, particularly for electric vehicles. Demand-based temperature control helps reduce energy consumption, shorten drying times and lower CO₂ emissions.

Alongside the plant engineering work, Dürr is implementing DXQcontrol as a central SCADA system for Volkswagen Autoeuropa’s paint operations. The system will connect the new paint shop with two existing paint shop buildings, creating one standardised control and monitoring environment.

The software integration involves migrating third-party software and upgrading an older system to the latest generation of DXQcontrol. Dürr said the result will be one system instead of three, one user interface instead of several platforms and full process transparency across the paint operations.

Felix Losch, Senior Manager Digital Products at Dürr, said connecting three separate paint shops with different technological baselines is a complex task. He said the integrated software solution will provide major value for the customer by reducing costs and making production more flexible and efficient.

The turnkey project also includes an offline measurement cell, a paint mixing room, work platforms and internal conveyor systems. As general contractor, Dürr is coordinating the trades and project activities required across the different phases.

Marcus Treppschuh, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing at Dürr, said the project launch coincides with the market introduction of a new model, requiring precise planning and close coordination throughout construction. He said Dürr’s experience in turnkey projects will support reliable delivery of a paint shop that sets new technological and environmental benchmarks for Volkswagen Autoeuropa.

The project will be implemented in three phases and is scheduled for completion by mid-2027.

Media Contact:

Carina Lachnit
Marketing
Carina.Lachnit@durr.com

SOURCE: Dürr Systems AG