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Tata's Zica Car To Be Renamed After Zika Virus Spreads

By R. Siva Kumar | Update Date: Feb 03, 2016 08:47 AM EST

Tata India's biggest carmaker, Tata Motors, made an announcement that it would rename Zica, its new hatchback, even as the Zika virus catches the central spotlight.

This hatchback will experience its debut launch at India's Auto Expo 2016 in the capital city, New Delhi. It will enter the public in a market blitz centered around Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi. Though it will keep its name, derived from "Zippy Car", it will find a replacement name shortly, in a few weeks, says BBC.

The Zika virus is said to be spreading around the world, according to the World Health Organization, which has declared an international health emergency Monday. It has led to the birth of babies with microcephaly and adults with Guillain-Barre syndrome. That is why the Zica car has decided to change names, and will announce it in a few weeks.

"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," said the company.

"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," said the statement, according to the AFP.

Another example of a name change is Chevrolet's Nova. Although it refers to a divine event, "no va" actually translates to "won't go."

Similarly, Isis Financial Services and Isis Pharmaceuticals too had to undergo name changing after Isis, the Egyptian goddess of childbirth and healing, got supplanted by ISIS, the terrorist group.

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