Stellantis production affected by cyberattack at auto supplier

Production at the maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models is being affected after a cyberattack on an automotive supplier disrupted its operations, the automaker said Monday.

The cyberattack affected Chinese supplier Yanfeng International Automotive Technology Co. Ltd., whose website wasn't working Monday evening. The company's North American headquarters is in Novi. It manufactures a number of just-in-time parts, including seats, interiors, electronics and other components.

"Due to an issue with an external supplier, production at some of Stellantis’ North America assembly plants has been disrupted," spokesperson Anne Marie Fortunate said in a statement when asked about the cyberattack. "We are monitoring the situation and working with the supplier to mitigate any further impact to our operations."

She declined to specify what production or locations have been affected.

Crain's Detroit Business reported the disruption earlier Monday.

Cybersecurity is an increasing concern for many businesses, governments and other organizations. Two lawsuits recently were filed against the University of Michigan after hackers were able to access personal information of up to 230,000 people at the beginning of fall semester.

Stellantis and Yanfeng also recently won a motion to obtain equipment from Auburn Hills supplier Unique Fabricating Inc., which filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last week.

bnoble@detroitnews.com

@BreanaCNoble