US-Iran war Trump tariffs CJP protest in Delhi World Brain Day

Zika virus claims its first victim in India: Tata Motors

Tata Motors has decided to take off the Zica brand name

Overdrive|Feb 02, 2016, 18:41:40 IST

We don’t intend being funny or sarcastic or ironic or anything else. The zika virus that is spreading itself across the globe is nothing to be funny about and in a weird turn of events its turns out the zika virus has claimed its first victim in India, Tata Motors. What’s weird is that both Tata Motors upcoming hatchback and the virus affecting new born babies share the same phonetic, zika. In the case of Tata Motors, the car is spelled Zica while the virus is spelled out as zika with a ‘K’ in it.

Just earlier today Tata Motors had a meeting in which it was decided that the brand name Zica " derived from Zippy Car, would be taken off. This is a socially responsible move and we commend Tata Motors for their sensitivity, unfortunate as it may be for everyone involved. Empathising with the global havoc the virus has been creating Tata Motors issued a statement that says it will consider rebranding its car.

Effectively that means the new hatchback to be displayed at the 2016 Auto Expo, India’s largest motor show may no longer have the Zica name plate. A new name will be thought of in due course of time.

To stay at the cutting edge of automotive news in India, follow us on Twitter (@odmag) or on Facebook (facebook.com/odmag). Or download our app from the iOS or Android app stores today

Tesla's Cybercab to feature built-in Starlink antenna, bringing satellite internet to robotaxis

Tesla has confirmed that its upcoming Cybercab will include built-in Starlink connectivity, allowing the autonomous vehicle to access satellite internet beyond traditional mobile networks. The move deepens ties between Elon Musk's companies while supporting Tesla's vision of self-driving robotaxis capable of operating across a wider range of environments.

3 min read

US rejects Tesla bid to avoid recall of nearly 20,000 vehicles over headlight issue

US auto safety regulators rejected Tesla's bid to avoid a headlight recall while a separate investigation found a driver overrode Full Self-Driving before a fatal crash.

1 min read

IIT Kanpur study finds no evidence E20 petrol damages engines, says mileage impact is minimal

Fresh research from IIT Kanpur challenges widespread claims that E20 petrol harms vehicle engines, concluding that the fuel blend causes no measurable engine damage and only a marginal impact on fuel efficiency. The findings come amid ongoing public debate over India's ethanol-blending programme and concerns raised by motorists.

2 min read

As Nissan expands its line-up from one model to four, the carmaker is betting on affordable SUVs, exports and ICE volumes before making its EV play

Nissan Managing Director Saurabh Vatsa explains why the Tekton SUV is central to the brand's India strategy, its export ambitions and why an EV launch will have to wait.

2 min read

Volkswagen layoffs could hit 1 lakh as CEO warns of deeper cost overhaul

Volkswagen is weighing further workforce reductions that could bring total job losses to around 1,00,000, according to an internal message from CEO Oliver Blume. The proposed restructuring comes as Europe's biggest carmaker grapples with shrinking profits, intense Chinese competition, tariff pressures and excess manufacturing capacity.

2 min read

Up Next

Zika virus claims its first victim in India: Tata Motors

Tags

Tesla's Cybercab to feature built-in Starlink antenna, bringing satellite internet to robotaxis

US rejects Tesla bid to avoid recall of nearly 20,000 vehicles over headlight issue

IIT Kanpur study finds no evidence E20 petrol damages engines, says mileage impact is minimal

As Nissan expands its line-up from one model to four, the carmaker is betting on affordable SUVs, exports and ICE volumes before making its EV play

Volkswagen layoffs could hit 1 lakh as CEO warns of deeper cost overhaul