Jaguar Land Rover’s Nitra Plant in Slovakia, a key manufacturing hub now facing unprecedented challenges.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is grappling with one of its most critical crises in recent history. Over three weeks have passed since a teenage hacking group crippled the British automaker’s internal systems, halting production across its facilities. The company has now extended its shutdown until at least October 1st, marking another delay in resuming operations.
Typically, JLR’s assembly lines produce over 1,000 vehicles daily. However, its Solihull, Halewood, and Wolverhampton plants in the UK have remained dormant since the cyberattack on August 31st. This prolonged halt has sparked fears that smaller suppliers may face insolvency if production does not resume promptly.
Factories Idle, Supply Chain Under Strain
The Nitra plant’s exterior, now silent as production remains suspended.
Inside the Nitra facility, where operations have ground to a halt.
In a statement confirming the extended shutdown, JLR emphasized, “Our focus remains on supporting customers, suppliers, colleagues, and retailers who continue to operate.” The company added, “This is a challenging time for everyone connected to JLR, and we thank all for their support and patience.”
However, the worst may not be over. Unnamed sources told the BBC that disruptions could persist until November, though JLR dismissed this as “speculation.”
Estimates suggest the shutdown costs JLR between £5 million ($6.8 million) and £10 million ($13.6 million) daily. The situation is so dire that dealerships are resorting to manual paperwork for registrations.
Several suppliers have confided to the BBC that they lack the financial resilience to endure the prolonged halt. Former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer recently warned that some suppliers may collapse, a view shared by others in the industry.
“We’ve seen employers discussing potential layoffs,” noted Jason Richards, a local union official. “They have rent to pay, mortgages to cover—without income, what options do they have? We need a sustainable supply chain for Jaguar Land Rover,” he urged.
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