Jaguar Land Rover has told factory workers to remain at home until Tuesday as it struggles with the impact of a cyber attack.
The breach over the weekend forced the carmaker to shut down crucial IT systems. That action disrupted production and car sales.
Operations have stopped at factories in Halewood, Solihull, and Wolverhampton. Managers continue to review the crisis and warn shutdowns may last longer.
production and sales suffer heavy blow
Car sales have been heavily affected, though some transactions still went through, according to people close to the matter.
Jaguar Land Rover, owned by India’s Tata Motors, switched off its systems on Sunday to contain the damage.
The company is restoring systems step by step. Experts call the process highly complex. Work-arounds keep some services running while others remain offline.
The timing of the attack makes matters worse. September usually marks a busy period as customers collect new cars with fresh registration plates.
suppliers and repair shops under strain
The disruption extends across Jaguar Land Rover’s supply chain. Parts suppliers cut output and criticised the company for weak communication.
Repair garages also face growing challenges. Drivers may face delays when ordering essential replacement parts.
James Wallis from Nyewood Express, a garage in West Sussex, said he cannot reach the database that lists every part.
“That system covers every vehicle,” he explained. “If I cannot access it, I cannot order or repair cars.”
He added: “When the supplier goes offline, work stops. Cars sit idle. Customers must wait.”
hacker group steps into spotlight
On Wednesday, a hacker group claimed responsibility. Earlier this year, the same collective attacked Marks and Spencer.
The English-speaking group, thought to be teenagers, calls itself “Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters.” Members claimed they breached Jaguar Land Rover’s systems.
They posted two images online. One showed internal advice for a charging fault. The other displayed computer logs.
A cybersecurity expert said the screenshots indicated access to sensitive data that should remain hidden.
Jaguar Land Rover confirmed it is investigating. The company said there is no evidence yet of stolen customer data.
doubts over digital strategy
In 2023 Jaguar Land Rover signed a five-year deal worth £800m with Tata Consultancy Services. The contract promised stronger cybersecurity and digital upgrades.
The latest shutdown adds to the company’s troubles. Recently it reported weaker profits, blaming higher costs caused by US tariffs.
