Brands
Tata Motors invites netizens to name its new hatchback
MUMBAI: A couple of months after announcing its next new product and rolling out extensive marketing campaigns, it is indeed a risk to rebrand the product itself right before the launch — a risk Tata Motors is willing to take. Yes, India’s largest automaker Tata Motors has decided to do away with the name Zica for their soon to launch new hatchback. The reason being to empathise with the victims of the ZiKa virus, which has an identical sounding name.
“We are making a conscious effort towards being the most customer-centric company. This translates not only into products but everything that we do in the market, be it services or marketing the products. Yes, we have decided to re-brand the car as that is the right thing to do,” shared a Tata Motors spokesperson.
What is even more interesting is that the automaker has opened doors for their consumers to suggest a new name for their hatchback.
“While we have showcased this car but not launched, so we decided to offer our customers to also participate in this endeavour and suggest a new name for this cool hatchback. We announced the #Fantastico Name Hunt a global crowd sourcing contest,” added the spokesperson.
The contest is based on social media and mobile platforms where the marketers are engaging with the users and influencers to spread the word. To execute the this massive online campaign the automaker has roped in Maxus and LBi Digital.
Aimed at the netizens, this new initiative by Tata Motors has received an overwhelming reception and serves as a very effective marketing campaign that prompts active participation from the consumers. After all, who wouldn’t want to see their chosen name on a brand new Tata Motor car? Which brings us to the criteria for choosing the name from the crowd sourced ones.
“Through this contest, #Fantastico Name Hunt, we were looking for suggestions from our fans and audiences around the world to share what they think should be the name of the car. The company will further shortlist these entries for viewers to vote for their favourite name. One of the lucky contestant whose selection matches the final name, stands a chance to win the car (if within India) or win a reward of equal value, if located outside India,” a Tata Motor executive explains.
In short, the contest will pan out in two steps — first that provides an incentive for the netizens to take part and the later naturally draws in those whose suggested names are in contest.
With the initial marketing efforts for Zica already in place, re-branding the car can be a difficult move. Tata Motors thinks otherwise. “What will also work for us is that the car is not yet launched and we have time to make changes to our plan and come up with new creative ideas to sustain the buzz for the car. We are determined to place it in the market addressing all relevant needs of the target audience,” shares the spokesperson.
Brands
Hyundai and TVS Motor partner to develop electric three wheelers
Joint development pact targets last mile mobility with localisation push
MUMBAI: Three wheels, one big ambition and a charge towards the future. Hyundai Motor Company and TVS Motor Company have signed a joint development agreement to co-create electric three-wheelers (E3Ws), aiming to crack India’s complex last-mile mobility puzzle. The collaboration moves beyond concept talk into execution mode, building on the E3W prototype first showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The goal now is clear, design, develop and commercialise a purpose-built vehicle tailored to Indian roads, riders and realities.
Under the agreement, Hyundai will lead design and co-development, bringing its global R&D muscle and human-centric engineering approach to the table. TVS Motor, meanwhile, will anchor the product on its electric platform, leveraging deep three-wheeler expertise and local market insight. It will also handle manufacturing and sales in India, with an eye on exports down the line.
The timing is strategic. India remains the world’s largest three-wheeler market, where affordability, durability and adaptability often outweigh sheer innovation. The upcoming E3W aims to strike that balance combining advanced technology with practical features such as adaptive ground clearance for monsoon-hit roads, improved thermal management for tropical climates, and flexible interiors suited for passengers, cargo or emergency use.
A key pillar of the partnership is localisation. Major components will be sourced and manufactured within India, a move expected to strengthen the domestic supply chain, create jobs, lower costs and improve after-sales support.
The shift from prototype to production will involve rigorous testing, certification and refinement to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations. Dedicated cross-functional teams from both companies are already in place to accelerate timelines.
At a broader level, the tie-up reflects a growing trend in mobility, global players partnering with local specialists to navigate emerging markets. For Hyundai and TVS, the bet is that combining scale with street-level insight could unlock a new chapter in sustainable urban transport, one that runs not just on electricity, but on relevance.
