Volkswagen simulator. Prospective customer using a simulator to test-drive a Volkswagen Phaeton car at the Volkswagen Transparent Factory, Dresden, Germany. The Transparent Factory was opened in December 2001, and combines automated production processes with manual craftmanship. Customers and tourists can tour the factory and watch cars being constructed on clean, quiet factory floors that have wooden floors and natural lighting. The other facilities include a restaurant, video rooms and sales rooms. Tourists can also pay to take a tour of the facilities.