As the threat of the Zika virus looms worldwide, India's Tata Motors is getting ready to launch a hatchback named Tata Zica. The name, a combination of the words "zippy" and "car", had been chosen long before its namesake virus hit the headlines.
Tata is India's fifth largest automaker, and the owner of the British luxury car brand Jaguar Land Rover. It is hoping to regain its market share in the country through the Zica, which will be launched during the forthcoming Indian Auto Expo this week. Designed by an international team, the small car has been received favourable reviews for its contemporary look and latest features. The company plans to follow its launch with a new line of passenger vehicles.
We have gone to great lengths to test the #Fantastico Zica. Imagine driving to the moon and back 5 times. pic.twitter.com/bCwaTABIZn
— Zica Tata Motors (@ZicaTataMotors) January 3, 2016
Unfortunately, its launch has coincided with the spread of the mosquito-born Zika virus, which results in birth defects such as microcephaly, or unusually small heads in babies. A few days ago, the World Health Organisation said that the virus was spreading "explosively" and may constitute a public health emergency.
While the virus hasn't spread to India yet, doctors have predicted that the country may be at risk. On social media, several users have wondered whether the similar-sounding names will impact the sales of the car. A company spokesperson has said that while the car's name will not be changed for the launch, it may be renamed in the future.
Oh God! Tata is thinking of launching Zica in February, and we have a virus by that name.
— Durlov Baruah (@lifeisbetter) January 29, 2016
While the world is concerned about Zika virus, Tata is peddling Zica. Time for some retrospection, Cyrus Mistry. https://t.co/m6xydgVDMn
— Jayanta Bhattacharya (@goldenarcher) January 28, 2016
I wonder what effect will the Zika virus have on Tata motors Zica.. Nobody would want to buy a car sounding like a deadly virus right?
— Lochan (@lochgeo) January 28, 2016
Hope people don't confuse between Zika virus spreading in the African countries with Tata Zica @TataMotors
— Nithin Ramakrishna (@ChanchalaChitta) January 26, 2016