Zika virus forces Tata Motors to rename hatchback Zica

The car has been developed in 36 months at the Tata Motors’s studio in the U.K. and manufactured at its plant in Sanand, Gujarat.

The spread of Zika virus in many countries has forced Tata Motors to change the name of its newly developed but yet-to-be-introduced hatchback Zica.

Anticipating adverse publicity and negative effect on this car, which has been developed to help in the turnaround for the company, Tata Motors said it would rename Zica, which is derived from “Zippy Car”.

“Empathising with the hardships being caused by the recent “Zika” virus outbreak across many countries, Tata Motors, as a socially responsible company, has decided to rebrand the car,” Tata Motors said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Tata Motors is committed to doing what is right for its customers; the car, which has been designed for young people, has already received enthusiastic reviews from informed commentators, and the company is determined to place it in the market addressing all relevant needs of the target audience,” the statement added.

The new car will be displayed publicly for the first time at the Auto Expo 2016, in New Delhi (Greater Noida) from February 3-9.

While it carries the ‘Zica’ label for the duration of the event, the new name will be announced after a few weeks, ensuring all necessary consumer/ branding and regulatory aspects are addressed.

The car will be introduced in the market after the rebranding.

The car has been developed in 36 months at the company’s studio in the U.K. and manufactured at its plant in Sanand, Gujarat and with inputs from Jaguar Land Rover.

“This car is a complete statement on the organisational change at Tata Motors. It is a completely new product with a contemporary expressive design, and we have ensured the car will look fresh after being used for a few years,” Girish Wagh, Senior Vice-President (Programme Planning and Project Management - PVBU), Tata Motors recently told The Hindu .