Jaguar Land Rover Faces Mounting Costs from Global Cyber Attack, BBC Reports

Production shutdown at multiple JLR facilities could cost automotive manufacturer approximately £5 million daily in lost profits, according to BBC analysis of former industry executive estimates, as cyber security teams work to restore systems.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) continues to grapple with the financial and operational impact of a cyber attack that has paralysed production at its manufacturing facilities worldwide since 31 August, according to BBC reporting.

The automotive manufacturer was forced to shut down its computer systems and send workers home from plants in Solihull, Halewood, and Wolverhampton last Thursday, with no confirmed date for production to resume.

Former Land Rover chief engineer Dr Charles Tennant estimates the disruption could be costing JLR around £5 million per day in lost profits, according to the BBC. Tennant told the BBC this assessment is based on the company's average daily turnover of £75 million from previous quarters, though JLR has not verified these figures.

The timing of the attack has compounded the financial impact, with Dr Tennant noting that hackers struck "at the worst possible time." September traditionally represents one of the UK automotive industry's strongest selling months due to the introduction of new registration plates.

Beyond manufacturing disruptions, the cyber attack has prevented JLR dealerships from registering new vehicles, leaving customers unable to collect cars they have ordered, the BBC reported. This has created additional strain on the company's customer relationships during a critical sales period.

Supply chain partners are also feeling the effects of the shutdown. One parts supplier described the situation as "concerning" while awaiting the resumption of JLR's production schedule.

JLR acknowledged the severity of the situation in a statement, confirming it is working with cybersecurity specialists "around the clock" to restore systems. The company apologised to "customers, partners, suppliers and colleagues for their patience and support" but declined to discuss the financial implications of the attack.

The incident has attracted parliamentary attention, with questions raised in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Business minister Sir Chris Bryant told MPs he "cannot confirm or deny" whether the attack was state-sponsored.

A group of young hackers, who have previously targeted other major UK businesses including M&S earlier this year, have claimed responsibility for the JLR attack, according to the BBC. The retail chain estimated that similar cyber disruption would reduce its profits by approximately £300 million.

The JLR incident highlights the growing vulnerability of major corporations to cyber threats and the significant financial consequences of successful attacks on critical business infrastructure, the BBC analysis shows.