Automobile maker Tata Motors has renamed its new hatchback Zica as Tiago, following a crowdsourcing hunt for a new name. The company had decided to rename of the car, which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016 in New Delhi in February, following its resemblance to the Zika virus.

Tiago became the chosen name from the final three entries – Tiago, Civet and Adore - that were opened up for audience voting. The company will apply for regulatory registrations, even as it is working towards the market launch by March-end, Tata Motors said in a statement.

“We have begun working towards launching this stylish car and are determined to place it in the market addressing all relevant needs of the target audience,” said Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit at Tata Motors.

The company, through the crowdsourcing move - #Fantastico Name Hunt – had invited netizens to participate to name the car. Within the first three days, 48 million people were engaged with the brand on social platforms and more than 37,000 netizens enthusiasts submitting their suggestions through social and mobile channels.

The company also announced the winner of this campaign Libi Thomas, whose entry matched the selected name.

On February 2, Tata Motors has decided to rename Zica and had launched the contest on February 5.

The company had said it empathises with the hardships being caused by the recent Zika outbreak across many countries. Tata Motors, as a socially responsible company, has decided to re-brand the car, the company said in a statement.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), which has put Zika in the same category of concern as Ebola, had stated that the virus is spreading at an “explosive rate”. The virus is already present in more than 20 countries and is estimated that up to 4 million people across the Americas would be infected with the virus in the next year.

rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in

Related Topics