Zica Car To Be Renamed As Virus Spreads

Tata Motors (BSE: TATAMOTORS4.BO - news) is to rename its new Zica hatchback to disassociate it from the mosquito-borne infection linked to birth defects.

The car giant intended to name the vehicle 'Zica' but decided to re-brand it to reflect its claim to be a socially-responsible manufacturer.

'Zica' is a portmanteau of ‘Zippy Car’ and the vehicle is being dispatched to dealerships where it will be targeted at middle class consumers at around £3,500 and £4,000.

The hatchback will initially be branded 'Zica' for its public showcase at this week's Auto Expo 2016 in Delhi, but Tata will then register a new name with India's Registrar of Companies.

Marketing of the car began in November 2015 with the signing of Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi as the company's global brand ambassador.

In a statement, Tata Motors said: "Empathising with the hardships being caused by the ‘Zika’ virus outbreak across many countries, Tata Motors as a socially-responsible company has decided to re-brand the car."

Tata is India’s largest automobile company with consolidated revenues of £29.19bn in 2014-2015.

It (Other OTC: ITGL - news) also owns the Jaguar Land Rover brand which it acquired from Ford in 2008. In India, the company also produces the Tata Nano, one of India's cheapest cars at £1,740.

The Zika virus has been linked to a steep increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly, which causes abnormally small heads and brains.

Cases have so far been reported in 35 countries and territories , with Brazil among the worst affected.