Cyberattack Shocker: UK Car Production Plummets 25% in September Following JLR Breach

The UK automotive sector took a massive hit in September. Domestic car production fell by a quarter (25%) compared to the same period last year. The primary factor behind this dramatic drop was a significant cyberattack that targeted major manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

The cyber event disrupted JLR’s operations, severely affecting its ability to schedule production and ship vehicles. This is a crucial supply-chain weakness, as JLR is one of the largest car producers in the UK. The incident sent ripples across the entire sector, exposing the vulnerability of automated manufacturing processes to malicious digital threats.

Beyond the direct impact on JLR, the production slump highlights the fragility of the UK’s post-Brexit automotive industry, which continues to struggle with global supply chain issues and high energy costs. While the industry aims for a long-term rebound driven by electric vehicle investment, the September figures confirm that operational disruptions, especially those caused by cybersecurity incidents, remain an immediate and potent threat to output and economic stability.