Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced an extension of its production shutdown until October 1, 2025, following a major cyberattack that has severely disrupted its global operations.
The automaker has been battling to restore functionality since August 31, 2025, when a critical cyber incident crippled its IT infrastructure and brought manufacturing at multiple facilities to a standstill.
The Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack, now entering its fifth week, has evolved from a corporate crisis into a national concern, with widespread economic implications and growing political attention.
JLR Shutdown Extended Amid Ongoing Investigation
In an official statement, JLR said that the company has notified its workforce, suppliers, and partners about the extended production pause. “We have made this decision to give clarity for the coming week as we build the timeline for the phased restart of our operations and continue our investigation,” the company said.
JLR added that it is working closely with cybersecurity experts, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and law enforcement agencies to address the incident and ensure a secure return to operations. “Our teams continue to work around the clock,” the company emphasized, highlighting its commitment to safety and recovery.
UK government officials have held a number of high-level meetings on the situation, including a visit yesterday by Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Industry Minister Chris McDonald to JLR headquarters.
Global Impact and Operational Paralysis
The cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover has had far-reaching effects beyond the UK. Facilities in India, Slovakia, China, and Brazil have also been impacted, with production lines halted and IT systems inoperable.
Notably, India’s operations, which typically produce around 1,000 vehicles per month, have been severely disrupted, resulting in vehicle backlogs of up to eight months depending on the model.
Dealers globally are grappling with the inability to register vehicles, order spare parts, or use diagnostic software, leaving customers and service centers in a bind. More than 33,000 employees in the UK alone have been affected, with key assembly plants at Solihull and Halewood operating on minimal shifts.
Supply Chain Strain and Economic Risk
Beyond the direct impact on JLR, the shutdown is wreaking havoc on its vast supply chain. An estimated 200,000 jobs across supplier companies are at risk. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), approximately 25% of JLR suppliers have already paused production, many opting to “bank hours” for future use or lay off workers.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of SMMT, warned: “Whatever happens to JLR will reverberate through the supply chain. Some small and medium-sized enterprises are most at risk, with up to a quarter already forced to lay off employees. A further 20–25% are considering similar actions soon.”
One unnamed supplier told the BBC it had already let go of nearly half its workforce due to the shutdown.
Political Response and Government Involvement
The severity of the Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack has prompted political action. On September 19, 2025, the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) held an “extraordinary meeting” with SMMT’s Automotive Components Section to assess the crisis. In a statement, the DBT said it is working “closely with JLR to understand any impacts on the supply chain” and remains in communication with cybersecurity experts to support the recovery effort.
On September 17, more than 30 Members of Parliament sent a letter to Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle, urging the government to consider direct support for struggling suppliers. “It is clear that for some of these businesses, the cash flow situation is becoming serious,” the letter stated. “If this shutdown is prolonged, the predominantly UK-based supply chain will no longer exist, as companies will shutter and lay off skilled staff who are hard to replace.”
Potential Financial Losses and Future Outlook
JLR is believed to be losing at least £50 million per week due to lost production, with the company typically manufacturing over 1,000 vehicles a day. Industry analysts suggest the financial and reputational damage could take months—if not longer—to repair.
Union leaders are skeptical about a near-term resolution. Jason Richards, a regional officer for the Unite union, told the BBC: “I don’t want to be pessimistic, and I don’t want to sensationalize this, but I really am concerned about the issue we find ourselves in… There’s zero chance production restarts next week.”
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