Tata Group, the multinational corporation that owns Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), orchestrated the dismissal of whistleblower Hazar Denli, a mechanical engineer who raised concerns about safety flaws in electric cars, BBC reported. Internal emails reveal Tata executives retaliated against Denli for sharing his concerns on Reddit, blacklisting him from the industry.
Denli, from Milton Keynes, had identified critical safety issues in electric car prototypes designed by Tata Technologies for Vietnamese carmaker VinFast. These flaws, including improperly designed chassis components, posed risks such as wheels detaching from vehicles and drivers losing control.
The controversy has deepened as U.S. regulators investigate safety defects in an earlier VinFast car model. The investigation follows 28 defect reports and a tragic crash in California that claimed the lives of a family of four. Despite these allegations, both Tata Group and JLR declined to comment on the matter when approached by the BBC.
Whistleblower Highlights Unsafe Car Components
While employed by Tata Technologies, Denli flagged several safety issues during the testing phase of VinFast cars. As the lead engineer on the car’s chassis and front suspension, he identified components snapping at low mileages and brackets falling onto the road during tests at the Mira Technology Park in Warwickshire.
Denli warned that the vehicle’s design flaws could lead to catastrophic accidents, including vehicles veering off-course or losing wheels. “We saw the front strut-to-knuckle connection loosening,” he said. “In a crash scenario, this could cause the car to lose control entirely.”
Despite these warnings, VinFast proceeded with production to avoid delays that could impact its stock market debut on the New York Stock Exchange. When Denli sought reassignment to another project, Tata Technologies refused, prompting his resignation in May 2023.
Retaliation and Blacklisting
Months later, Denli found work as a consultant at JLR through an agency. However, after sharing his safety concerns on Reddit, Tata Technologies flagged his posts to JLR, labeling him a potential risk. Internal documents show Tata executives pressed JLR to terminate Denli’s contract, citing the potential for further whistleblowing.
On July 18, 2023, Denli’s contract at JLR was terminated, and he was blacklisted on the industry recruitment platform Magnit, which now automatically rejects his applications. Internal communications confirm Tata Technologies actively sought his dismissal and monitored the outcome.
Denli, who is now pursuing a case against JLR at an employment tribunal, stated, “Instead of addressing the safety issues, their response was to silence me.”
U.S. Investigation and Safety Concerns
The safety concerns raised by Denli have been echoed in consumer reports. U.S. regulators, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), are investigating safety defects in VinFast’s VF8 model. Reports include incidents of cars catching fire, wheels detaching, and Lane Keep Assist systems malfunctioning.
The investigation was launched after a crash in California on April 24, 2023, killed a family of four. Witnesses reported the vehicle lost control, veered off the road, hit a pole, and caught fire. VinFast stated it is cooperating fully with the NHTSA investigation and maintains confidence in its safety standards.
Calls for Stronger Whistleblower Protections
The case has reignited calls for stronger protections for whistleblowers in the UK. Under current laws, workers have limited protection against retaliation for raising safety concerns. Advocates argue that cases like Denli’s highlight the urgent need for reform.
Baroness Susan Kramer, a supporter of a new Parliamentary bill proposing an Office of the Whistleblower, said, “Whistleblowers often pay a huge price for exposing wrongdoing. This case is a stark reminder of why stronger protections are essential.”
Georgina Halford-Hall, CEO of Whistleblowers UK, added, “Whistleblowers face retaliation instead of recognition for doing the right thing. Parliament must act to ensure they are safeguarded.”
Both Tata Group and JLR declined to comment on Denli’s allegations or the ongoing legal proceedings. VinFast denied involvement in Tata Group’s HR actions and reiterated its cooperation with safety investigations.
