JLR Extends Shutdown to Oct. 1 After Cyberattack

Jaguar Land Rover has extended a complete halt to production at its global factories until at least Oct. 1 after a late-August/early-September cyberattack that continues under forensic investigation. The company says it is working with cybersecurity specialists, the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre and law enforcement on a controlled, phased restart but has disclosed limited details about the nature of the intrusion or the data affected. Hacker groups have claimed access and some third parties report alleged data exposure and dealer-registration disruption, but those claims remain unverified by JLR. The shutdown is causing immediate financial and operational harm — JLR estimates its U.K. factories make roughly 1,000 cars a day, about £1.7bn of vehicles will not be produced and there is an initial profit hit of around £120m, with losses described as “tens of millions.” The suspension threatens tens of thousands of supplier jobs across the British auto supply chain and has prompted visits from Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Industry Minister Chris McDonald to assess support needs, while unions have called for furlough-style assistance.