After Zika virus outbreak, Tata Motors announces renaming of new hatchback Zica

Tata Motors Ltd on Tuesday announced that it will rename their soon-to-be-launched hatchback Zica. The decision to rename the car came the name was was immediately linked to the massive outbreak of the 'Zika' virus. 

The company's statement however did not reveal what the new name of the car will be. With Zica the company had intended it to be an acronym derived from "Zippy Car". 

Tata Motors statement

Tata Motors today announced that it has decided to rename its soon-to-be launched hatchback. The car’s acronym was “ZICA”, derived from “Zippy Car”. Empathizing with the hardships being caused by the recent “Zika” virus outbreak across many countries, Tata Motors, as a socially responsible company, has decided to re-brand the car….

The new car will be showcased publicly for the first time at the Auto Expo 2016, in New Delhi (Greater Noida) from February 3 – 9, 2016. 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, and the launch will take place thereafter.

With the Zica, Tata Motors had earlier revealed its plans of making a comeback and rebrand its image, with the new curvaceous hatchback, moving away from the boxy models it is often associated with.

"The Zica will be followed over the next three years by more hatchbacks and sport utility vehicles, plugging gaps in Tata's line-up," said chief engineer Tim Leverton.

With the sudden escalation of the Zika virus and world health organisations warnings about its spread, the company's intentions of rebranding would have come under serious question.

The Zica has been designed by an international team resulting in a more modern look, built with higher-quality materials and equipped with up-to-date features such as an infotainment system - all endorsed by world soccer player of the year Lionel Messi.

When it hits the showrooms, Zica will go up against hatchbacks in a similar class from Maruti Suzuki India Ltd and Hyundai Motor Co with the price range starting from Rs 4 lakh.