Jaguar Land Rover has told employees to stay home until Tuesday while it manages the aftermath of a cyber attack.
The breach over the weekend forced the automaker to turn off key IT systems. That step disrupted both production and car sales.
Factories in Halewood, Solihull, and Wolverhampton remain closed. Managers warn the shutdown could continue as the situation is assessed.
production and sales heavily affected
Car sales have been badly disrupted, though some transactions still went through, according to sources close to the matter.
Jaguar Land Rover, owned by India’s Tata Motors, disabled its systems on Sunday to limit potential damage.
The company is restoring them gradually. Experts describe the process as highly complex. Temporary solutions keep some functions running while core systems remain offline.
The timing adds extra pressure. September usually sees strong demand as customers collect vehicles with new registration plates.
suppliers and garages feel the impact
The disruption has spread to suppliers. Many reduced activity and criticised Jaguar Land Rover for poor communication.
Independent garages also struggle. Jaguar and Land Rover owners risk long waits for replacement parts.
James Wallis of Nyewood Express in West Sussex said he cannot access the database listing all parts.
“That system covers every model,” he explained. “Without it, I cannot order or repair vehicles.”
He added: “If the source is offline, repairs stop. Cars sit idle. Customers wait.”
hackers take responsibility
On Wednesday, a hacker group claimed responsibility. The same collective attacked Marks and Spencer earlier this year.
The group, believed to be teenagers, calls itself “Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters.” Members said they infiltrated Jaguar Land Rover’s systems.
They posted two images online. One showed guidance for charging issues. The other contained internal logs.
A cybersecurity expert said the screenshots suggested access to sensitive information.
Jaguar Land Rover confirmed it is investigating. So far, no evidence shows that customer data has been stolen.
cybersecurity strategy questioned
In 2023 Jaguar Land Rover signed a five-year £800m deal with Tata Consultancy Services. The contract aimed to improve digital security and transformation.
The shutdown raises new questions about that plan. It follows profit losses blamed on rising costs from US tariffs.
