Due to the growing global alarm over the Zika virus outbreak, India’s biggest car maker, Tata Motors has on Tuesday said it would rename it’s new Zica Hatchback car.
In recent weeks, the automobile producer, Tata Motors has been heavily promoting it’s small “zippy car” which goes by Zica, with the Barcelona footballer, Lionel Messi starring in it’s promotional campaign.
In a statement released by the company, Tata motors said the company is “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.
“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,”
The mosquito-borne Zika virus is rapidly spreading through Latin America, where it has been blamed for a surge in brain-damaged babies. The World Health Organisation on Monday has also declared an international health emergency over the virus which has spread to more than 20 countries and territories.
The Zippy car, aimed at young people, is due to go on public show at India’s Auto Expo 2016 which opens in New Delhi this week.