The plant's origins date back to the April 1958 establishment at Vigo of "Citroën Hispania," employing, during that first year, approximately 100 people. The choice of Vigo arose from the presence of the port and from the tax advantages arising from the existence of a Francisco Franco created "freeport" zone in Vigo. The first vehicle produced was the Furgoneta AZU, a locally assembled Citroën 2CV van, which would be joined at the plant a year later by the passenger car version of the same vehicle. During the first year 400 were produced.
