I've done some work on the sequencing plants for some rather big names, the sequencing issue's not that hard, but the production scheduling systems can change it's mind on what colour bodies they want on the line and in what sequence up to the very last second. Normally because they haven't had a delivery in line with the JIT principles.
Usually just a few hours from when the painted shell leaves it's temporary (day or two max) storage to mosey on to the line. These factories have no room for cars just sitting around doing nothing. Apart from when it comes to the evoque, they had them stashed up all over the place and rented warehouses to stash them in.
If you stop production, you always know how much your nuts are gonna hurt from an ear bashing, based on the colour of the overalls walking through the door....
I should point out I haven't worked on any VAG installations....which is why I own a Golf :-)
