The Indian multinational Tata Motors has decided to ask its social media followers for help renaming its Zica model, which was unveiled just days ago at the Auto Expo in New Delhi. The name, an acronym for "Zippy Car," sounds remarkably similar to that of the virus currently terrorizing the world. For this reason, Tata has launched a contest on Twitter with the hashtag #FantasticoNameHunt , as well as on Facebook and WhatsApp, to find a new name for its vehicle. The prize? A Zica car or its equivalent value if the winner does not live in India.
The 'Zica' is intended to be Tata Motors' flagship model, and it seems that selling this car with the same name as a virus that has prompted the WHO to declare a health emergency isn't very appropriate. At least, that's what the company itself told Bloomberg: "Tata is a socially responsible company and, out of empathy for the countries suffering from the recent Zika virus outbreak, has decided to rename this model." According to the multinational, the winning name will be announced in the coming weeks so that the vehicle can be launched under its new name.
The Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also responsible for other diseases such as chikungunya and dengue. Twenty-four countries in the Americas are affected by this virus, which was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. Most infected people do not show any symptoms, but in pregnant women, there is a high risk that the baby will be born with microcephaly , although the mechanism by which the Zika virus causes this condition is still unknown.
Sep 14, 2025