JLR suppliers demand state support within days to survive cyber-attack

JLR has restarted a small number of computer systems hit by a crippling cyber-attack, but suppliers say government support is needed within days to save parts factories from permanent closure.

- Jasper Jolly

The maker of Jaguar and Land Rover cars said it had regained the ability to repay suppliers, to send parts to mechanics for repairs and to deliver finished cars to showrooms.

The company also said “the foundational work of our recovery programme is firmly under way” - although it was unable to state when its factories in the UK, Slovakia, India and Brazil would reopen.

Suppliers to JLR are pushing the UK government for financial help to see them through the extended shutdown, with a range of ideas on what could be offered.

Ministers are open to providing support, although there is still uncertainty over how quickly it can be introduced, according to one person close to the talks.

JLR has not been able to assemble cars since the start of the month after cyber-attackers penetrated its computer systems.

Britain’s largest automotive employer was forced to shut down most of the systems it uses to track parts, vehicles and factory tooling, as well as all business linked to selling its Range Rover, Discovery and Defender SUVs.