British automotive titan Jaguar Land Rover has been forced to slam the brakes on production following a severe and sophisticated cyber attack that has crippled its manufacturing systems. The incident has brought production lines at its key UK plants, including the famed Solihull factory, to a grinding halt.
The cyber assault, described as highly targeted, has severely disrupted the company's ability to build its coveted Range Rovers, Defenders, and Jaguars. This has inevitably triggered significant delays for thousands of customers eagerly awaiting delivery of their new luxury vehicles.
Systems Offline, Production Stalled
In response to the breach, JLR's IT teams took immediate action, isolating and shutting down key systems to prevent the attack from spreading further across its global network. This necessary defensive measure, however, meant that the computer systems essential for building cars were rendered inoperable.
A source close to the incident confirmed: "This was a major attack. They've had to take everything offline to contain it, which means nothing is getting built. It's a complete standstill."
Frustration for Customers and Dealers
The production freeze has created a wave of uncertainty and frustration. Prospective buyers who had been given estimated delivery dates are now facing potentially lengthy and indefinite delays. The knock-on effect is also being felt by JLR's extensive network of dealerships across the UK, which are unable to fulfil orders.
One disgruntled customer, who had ordered a new Range Rover, shared their disappointment: "I was told my car was due next month. Now, they can't give me any date at all. It's a complete mess."
A Growing Threat to UK Industry
This attack on one of the UK's most prestigious manufacturers highlights the escalating threat that cybercrime poses to critical national infrastructure and industry. Experts warn that manufacturing is increasingly becoming a prime target for ransomware groups and state-sponsored actors seeking to cause maximum disruption and financial damage.
JLR has launched a full investigation into the attack, working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and external forensic experts to understand the full scope of the breach and safely restore operations.
