Why Can’t Land Rover Register New Cars Right Now?
If you’ve been eyeing a brand-new Land Rover or Range Rover, you might have noticed something strange happening this September: not a single new model has been registered in the UK. That’s not just a fluke. JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) is currently facing a major IT issue that’s brought new car registrations to a standstill—right on one of the most important days of the year for the industry.
What’s Actually Happening with JLR’s IT Systems?
Early today, JLR dealers across the UK were hit by a sudden system failure. The culprit? A global IT problem that’s affected the company’s ability to register new vehicles. While details are still emerging, sources inside dealerships have described it as a “cyber incident” impacting the registration system specifically.
This isn’t just a minor hiccup. September 1st is what’s known as “new plate day” in the UK—a day when new registration numbers (this year, the ‘75’ plates) are released. For car dealers, it’s typically one of the busiest and most lucrative days of the year. But this time, showrooms were open, staff were ready, and yet not a single new Land Rover could be officially registered.
How Are Dealers and Customers Being Affected?
For dealerships, the timing couldn’t be worse. Many customers plan their purchases around new plate day, hoping to be among the first to drive away with the latest registration. Instead, they’re facing delays with no clear end in sight. One dealer confirmed that their branch hadn’t registered any new cars all day and had no information about when the issue might be resolved.
From a customer’s perspective, this means waiting longer for that new car handover. It’s frustrating, especially for those who’ve been counting down to this day. Some buyers may even reconsider their purchase if the delay drags on, which could have a knock-on effect for JLR’s sales numbers this quarter.
Is This Just a UK Problem, or Is It Global?
JLR’s official statement described the issue as “global,” suggesting that it’s not just UK customers who are affected. While the company’s public website and configurator are still working, the internal systems that handle registrations are down. This could potentially impact new car deliveries in other markets as well, though the UK is feeling it most acutely due to the significance of new plate day.
What’s JLR Doing to Fix the Problem?
The company says it’s “working at pace” to resolve the IT issues and promises to provide updates as soon as possible. In situations like this, automakers typically bring in cybersecurity and IT specialists to diagnose and patch the problem quickly. However, as of now, there’s no official timeline for when registrations will resume.
It’s worth noting that cyber incidents in the automotive sector are becoming more common. According to a 2023 report by Upstream Security, cyberattacks on automotive companies increased by 225% over the past three years, with registration and sales systems being a frequent target. This highlights just how critical robust IT infrastructure has become for carmakers.
Could This Happen to Other Car Brands?
Absolutely. As car sales and registrations become increasingly digital, any automaker could find itself in a similar predicament. The key difference is how quickly a company can respond and communicate with both dealers and customers. JLR’s swift acknowledgment of the issue is a positive sign, but the real test will be how fast they can get things back on track.
What Should Buyers and Dealers Do in the Meantime?
If you’re waiting on a new Land Rover, your best bet is to stay in close contact with your dealer. They’ll have the latest updates and can advise on next steps once the system is back online. For dealers, transparency is key—keeping customers informed and reassured will help maintain trust, even in the face of delays.
A Moment to Reflect on Tech and Trust
This incident is a stark reminder of how much we rely on technology for even the most traditional milestones, like picking up a new car on plate day. While JLR works to resolve the issue, both buyers and dealers are left in limbo, hoping for a swift fix. It’s a situation no one wants, but it also underlines the importance of resilient IT systems in today’s automotive world.
As updates come in, the hope is that JLR will not only resolve the current problem but also strengthen its systems to prevent future disruptions. For now, patience and open communication are the best tools for everyone involved. And if you’re one of those waiting for your new Land Rover, hang tight—your new keys should be in your hand soon enough.