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Automobile industry

UK Car Production Hits 73-Year Low Amid JLR's Cyber Attack

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK's automotive industry took a massive hit in September as car production plummeted to a 73-year low, largely due to a cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) factories. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported a 35.9% decline in total vehicle production to 54,319, with car production down 27.1% to 51,090. The trade body attributed the decline mainly to JLR's unprecedented cyber incident, which forced the company to halt production for five weeks and disrupt its suppliers across Britain. The cyber attack is estimated to have cost the UK almost £2 billion, making it the most expensive in British history.

Key Takeaways:

  • The cyber attack on JLR's factories led to a 73-year low in UK car production, with a 35.9% decline in total vehicle production to 54,319 in September.
  • Car production was down 27.1% to 51,090, mainly due to the cyber incident, which forced the company to halt production for five weeks and disrupt its suppliers.
  • JLR resumed limited production at its factories, including at its Solihull plant and Halewood on Merseyside, but is not expected to be operating at full capacity until January 2026.
  • The cyber attack is estimated to have cost the UK almost £2 billion, making it the most expensive in British history.
  • Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, urged the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, not to end an employee car benefit scheme to ease pressures on carmakers.
  • Analysts from S&P Global warned that the cyber attack on JLR would "significantly affect revenues and profitability" this year, with an estimated 50,000 vehicles not being produced.

Statistics:

  • UK car production fell to a 73-year low in September.
  • Total vehicle production declined by 35.9% to 54,319.
  • Car production was down 27.1% to 51,090.
  • The cyber attack is estimated to have cost the UK almost £2 billion.
  • JLR is estimated to have lost £3 billion in sales due to the cyber attack.
  • The cyber attack led to 50,000 vehicles not being produced.
  • JLR is expected to resume full production capacity by January 2026.

Sources:

  • Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
  • Cyber Monitoring Centre
  • S&P Global
  • BBC News
  • Bloomberg

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