Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is gradually restoring some of its systems after a cyber-attack brought production to a standstill, but the crisis is already rippling through the UK aftermarket.
Independent garages, particularly those working with accident repairs and insurance jobs, say delays in parts supply are leaving customers stranded and workshops under pressure.
The attack, which struck at the end of August, forced Britain’s biggest carmaker to shut down most of its digital infrastructure.
Factories in the UK and overseas have been idle for nearly a month, with no clear date for when production will restart. JLR has managed to bring certain systems back online, including invoicing, supplier payments and some logistics, but the broader supply chain remains fragile.
For independent businesses, the disruption is hitting hard.
What it means for garages:
JLR’s systems are slowly coming back online, but parts supply remains unpredictable. Independent garages should plan for delays, talk openly with customers, and check with suppliers before taking on new JLR jobs. For accident repairs and warranty work, OEM parts may be held up, so explore trusted aftermarket options where appropriate, and stay close to insurers on courtesy car provision. The key takeaway: don’t assume parts availability is business as usual.
Ashley Bernstein, who runs Merseyside Car Hospital, told the BBC that his bodyshop is unable to complete jobs because crucial parts simply aren’t available. “Maybe we are able to get a couple of parts,” he said, “but we can’t repair the whole vehicle.”
With unfinished cars occupying workshop space and courtesy vehicles tied up, his business is left in limbo.
Some insurers, such as NFU, are stepping in to provide hire cars, but not all are responding as quickly.
Industry sources suggest JLR is prioritising repairs for vehicles already on the road, with its global logistics hub now returning to operation.
That has offered some relief for garages waiting on essential service items, but parts for accident repairs and newer models remain patchy.
Workshops report that delays are stretching lead times, creating uncertainty for both technicians and vehicle owners.
Behind the scenes, the strain on JLR’s supplier base is intensifying. Smaller component manufacturers, many of which rely heavily on JLR contracts, are warning they may not survive without government intervention.
Ministers are in daily talks with both the company and its suppliers, exploring options ranging from targeted loans to furlough-style support.
Some proposals, such as the government buying unsold parts to keep factories ticking over, have already been dismissed by suppliers as unworkable.
For independent garages, the implications are immediate. Delays in sourcing common components risk prolonging repair times, leaving customers frustrated and tying up workshop capacity.
Businesses handling warranty work also face difficult choices about whether to wait for OEM parts or turn to trusted aftermarket alternatives.
The financial strain of holding vehicles on-site, providing courtesy cars, or renegotiating with insurers only adds to the challenge.
The wider concern is that this disruption could outlast the cyber-attack itself.
Analysts believe JLR will weather the crisis, albeit at significant cost, but the smaller firms in its supply chain are more vulnerable.
If they fail, certain parts could become permanently harder to source, leaving garages exposed long after production resumes.
For now, garages are being urged to communicate clearly with customers, work closely with suppliers, and plan around potential delays.
