Tata’s Zica gets renamed Tiago

Tata Motors on Monday renamed its upcoming hatchback Zica as Tiago after the culmination of a successful crowdsourcing of the name search.

The automobile firm of the salt-to-aviation Indian conglomerate Tata Group had decided to rename its yet to be launched Zica after a similarly sounding virus Zika affected South America.

“We are delighted with the response and support we have received from our well-wishers across the globe through the Fantastico Name Hunt campaign. We are proud to announce the new name — TIAGO — for our next new hatchback," Tata Motors said in a statement.

The new name was choosen by the company through a global crowd- sourcing initiative, where people from both India and abroad were invited to participate in the selection of a new name for the vehicle.

Within three days, 48 million enthusiasts submitted their suggestions through social and mobile channels.

“Tiago became the chosen name from the final three entries – Tiago, Civet and Adore that were opened up for the audience voting,” the company said in a statement.

The launch of this 1,200cc car, priced upwards of `4 lakh, is crucial for Tata Motors, which it hopes, will help in reviving its fortunes in the Indian passenger car market.

Tata Motors expects to launch the vehicle, endorsed by soccer player Lionel Messi, in the market by March end after securing all regulatory clearances.