Jaguar Land Rover to Resume Some Manufacturing After Cyber-Attack
LONDON - Jaguar Land Rover has announced that it will resume some production at its UK facilities in the coming days, following a cyber-attack that forced the carmaker to suspend operations on September 1.
The company's engine facility in Wolverhampton is expected to be the first to restart on October 6, with other plants returning to production on a phased basis. Industry sources suggest it may take several weeks for production lines to reach full capacity.
"We continue to work around the clock alongside cybersecurity specialists, the UK government and our own teams to ensure that our IT systems are brought back in a safe and secure manner," said a Jaguar Land Rover spokesperson in a note to staff on Monday.
The company had initially stated that it did not expect production to resume until October 1 at the earliest. The phased restart is aimed at minimizing disruption and ensuring that all necessary security measures are in place before full production resumes.
According to industry sources, the cyber-attack was severe enough to require a complete shutdown of operations. "The attack was sophisticated and targeted our systems, causing significant disruption," said an insider.
Jaguar Land Rover's reliance on complex technology has made it a prime target for cyber threats. The company's use of connected systems and data exchange with suppliers and customers makes it vulnerable to attacks.
However, the company is taking steps to mitigate these risks. "We have invested heavily in cybersecurity measures and are working closely with our partners to ensure that our systems are secure," said the spokesperson.
The impact of the cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover's production has been significant. The company had previously stated that it was producing around 1,000 vehicles per day at its UK facilities. With the phased restart, production is expected to increase gradually over the coming weeks.
As the automotive industry becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the risk of cyber threats will only continue to grow. Jaguar Land Rover's experience highlights the importance of investing in cybersecurity measures and staying ahead of emerging threats.
The company's recovery program is ongoing, with a focus on ensuring that all necessary security measures are in place before full production resumes. "We are working tirelessly to get back to normal operations as soon as possible," said the spokesperson.
In related news, industry experts have warned that the cyber-attack highlights the need for greater investment in cybersecurity measures across the automotive sector. "This incident serves as a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in robust protection measures," said an expert.
As Jaguar Land Rover continues its phased restart, the company is expected to provide regular updates on its progress. With production gradually increasing over the coming weeks, the company's focus will shift from recovery to growth, with a renewed emphasis on innovation and customer satisfaction.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
