After more than four weeks of unprecedented disruption, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has confirmed it is finally preparing to restart production lines in the UK following a crippling cyberattack that shut down operations. The luxury automaker, owned by Tata Motors, has revealed that a phased restart will begin “in the coming days,” marking the first step towards recovery after weeks of mounting losses.
In an official statement, JLR said :
“Today we are informing colleagues, retailers, and suppliers that some sections of our manufacturing operations will resume in the coming days. We continue to work around the clock alongside cybersecurity specialists, the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and law enforcement to ensure our restart is done in a safe and secure manner.”
Financial Impact : $10 Million Lost Daily
The cyberattack, which struck on September 1, forced JLR to halt all vehicle production. Under normal circumstances, the automaker produces around 1,000 vehicles per day, but since the attack, not a single car has been built. Analysts estimate the financial hit has been close to $10 million (£7.5 million) per day, amounting to nearly $300 million in total losses.
The shutdown not only crippled manufacturing but also disrupted retail operations. Dealers were forced to revert to paper-based systems, a throwback to practices not seen in decades, highlighting just how disruptive the cyberattack has been to every level of the company.
Government Support to Keep Supply Chain Alive
The UK Government stepped in amid concerns that JLR’s 700 suppliers were at risk of collapse. To safeguard the supply chain, the government issued a $2 billion (£1.5 billion) loan guarantee, ensuring that smaller companies dependent on JLR could stay afloat. The funds will be repaid over the next five years, reflecting the scale of JLR’s reliance on its extended network of suppliers.
According to BBC News, the Wolverhampton engine plant will be the first to reopen, with other plants in the West Midlands and Merseyside expected to follow. However, industry experts warn it may take several weeks before full-scale production resumes across all facilities.
Land Rover Builds on Hold, Jaguar Prepares for EV Future
Interestingly, only Land Rover models have been directly impacted by the cyberattack. Jaguar, which has already phased out its older models in anticipation of a bold move upmarket and the launch of a new electric sedan inspired by the “00 Coupe” concept, has not been as heavily affected.
This highlights the shifting priorities of the JLR group, with Jaguar focused on electrification while Land Rover continues to anchor production with its bestselling SUVs.
Cybersecurity : A Growing Threat to Luxury Brands
JLR’s ordeal comes as part of a worrying trend. Just last week, Harrods, London’s world-famous luxury department store, was also hit by a cyberattack, following similar disruptions at British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S). Cybercrime is increasingly targeting luxury brands and large corporations, underscoring the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity defenses across the sector.
For JLR, the attack has been a costly lesson. As operations cautiously resume, the automaker must not only restore production but also rebuild confidence among customers, retailers, and suppliers.
Verdict
JLR’s planned restart marks a critical turning point after a month-long shutdown that has cost hundreds of millions. With government backing, a phased restart, and cybersecurity reinforcements, the automaker is on the road to recovery. Yet, the incident serves as a stark reminder: in today’s digital-first automotive world, cybersecurity is as important as engineering precision.
