1st LD Writethru: French car maker Renault stops production after cyber attack: report

Renault, France's leading car manufacturer, on Saturday said it had been a target of a major cyber attack that forced the group to suspend productions at its sites.

"We have been affected. We are assessing the situation to try to find a solution," the group's spokesperson told AFP.

"Work is going on since last night. We are doing what is needed to counter this attack," added the spokesperson.

The French auto maker was hit Friday night by ransomware attack which had affected information systems of scores of companies in many countries.

Renault factory at Sandouville in Normandy, northwestern France, was one of the main sites affected. Production in the site which produces 640 vehicles per day was stopped since Friday night and expected to resume on Monday, according to local media.

The Paris prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the case in France, reported local media, quoting judiciary sources.

Hague-based European Police Office also said "it is working with affected countries cybercrime units and key industry partners to mitigate the threat and assist victims." Endit