JLR ACCELERATES ROLL-OUT OF SECURITY UPDATES IN THE UK BY 600%*

5 June 2024

  • JLR is accelerating its roll‑out of security software to equip older vehicles with the very latest technology to protect against theft
  • More than 160,000 UK vehicle updates for 2018 models onwards have already been completed through JLR’s retailer network and roadside assistance team
  • JLR UK's client care team has been upscaled by 26 per cent, helping increase update completion rates to more than 7,000 vehicles a week on average
  • Clients can find out whether an update is available for their vehicle, and get the latest security guidance, by contacting their local retailer

Gaydon, UK, 5 June 2024: JLR UK is accelerating its roll‑out of security software updates for vehicles manufactured as far back as 2018, across its range of Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar models. 

Proactively updating out‑of‑warranty vehicles of this age for clients’ greater piece of mind, is unprecedented in the automotive industry. The software update, which brings older vehicles up to today’s security levels, removes the risk of thieves starting a vehicle through its Body Control Module, a method often referred to as ‘keyless’ theft, making it a vital measure for clients and a priority for JLR. So far, more than 160,000 vehicles have received the software.

The pioneering initiative is part of a £15 million investment by JLR to support UK owners, insurers and law enforcement agencies as they tackle a rise in organised criminality, namely the targeted thefts of vehicles including Range Rovers. The programme includes an expanded team of dedicated client care specialists, which has grown by 26 per cent to facilitate the completion of updates ‑ bringing the latest security technology to as many clients as possible, as quickly as possible.

We understand that being a victim of car crime is deeply distressing so we are working hard to mitigate this risk for our clients wherever we can. Our security update initiative directly and positively combats known methods of thefts used in the UK today.

I am personally committed to providing the highest levels of protection as possible, to as many clients as we can; our team has grown to match the scale of this task and we are actively seeking clients who may have missed our correspondence or purchased from outside our network. We urge owners of models from 2018 and later to contact their preferred retailer for a security consultation as soon as possible, to understand their specific options, at their earliest opportunity

Patrick McGillycuddy
Managing Director JLR (UK)

Updates at a JLR retailer take no longer than an hour to complete, meaning clients can have their vehicle security enhanced while they wait, or from a location of their choosing through JLR’s mobile roadside assistance team.

Vehicle security has been at the forefront of JLR’s development for many years. In 2018, it was the first manufacturer to introduce Ultra‑Wide Band (UWB) key technology. This prevents thieves opening a vehicle using a relay signal device – another method termed a ‘keyless’ theft. There are no recorded thefts in the UK of JLR vehicles fitted with UWB technology using the relay method – testament to JLR’s longstanding commitment to tackle every known method of theft. For clients of older vehicles without the 2018 UWB technology, JLR is sending out Faraday Pouches which block any signals transmitted by a key, removing the risk that it could be manipulated by criminals using a relay attack.

JLR's security development continues to evolve as a priority and future updates are under development for vehicles as far back as 2016 models.

For further information on the security software update, please visit JLR’s dedicated security webpage: Land Rover Security & Protection | Ownership | Land Rover UK

For client queries, there are a number of different customer contact options, including social, webchat and phone lines (UK based) – for support please visit : Land Rover | Contact Us | Land Rover UK

Further information

Notes to Editors

* January 2024 average volumes (1000p/week) vs, June 2024 average volumes (7000 p/week).

About JLR

JLR’s Reimagine strategy aims to deliver a sustainability‑rich vision of modern luxury by design.

We are transforming our business, targeting carbon net zero across our supply chain, products, and operations by 2039. We have set a roadmap to reduce emissions across our own operations and value chains by 2030 through approved, science‑based targets. Electrification is central to this strategy and before the end of the decade our Range Rover, Discovery, Defender collections will each have a pure electric model, while Jaguar will be entirely electric.

At heart we are a British company, with two design and engineering sites, three vehicle manufacturing facilities, an engine manufacturing centre, and a battery assembly centre in the UK. 

We also have vehicle plants in China, Brazil, India, Austria, and Slovakia, as well as seven technology hubs across the globe.   

Jaguar Land Rover is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors Limited, part of Tata Sons.