Mercedes Benz India says systematic investment plans (SIPs) are a competitor
Mercedes India finds systematic investment plans (SIPs), a preferred savings instrument, as a competitor.
Market NewsReported by Sreekumaran Nettath, Edited by Rahul Karunakar
Updated: November 28, 2022 12:59 pm IST
Luxury car maker Mercedes Benz India has sparked an atypical debate that has surprised mutual funds.
For most Indians, savings takes precedence over spending on luxuries, even for those with substantial disposable income. Mercedes India, however, finds systematic investment plans (SIPs), a preferred savings instrument, as a competitor.
In a report published by the Times of India, Santosh Iyer, Sales and Marketing Head, Mercedes Benz India, has said that the ₹ 50,000 that a potential customer invests into a SIP if diverted towards the luxury car market, will see business explode.
The report instantly attracted reactions from many mutual fund enthusiasts.
Nilesh Shah, Managing Director, Kotak AMC, nailed the debate saying SIPs create financial freedom for investors to buy what they want.
“At ₹ 50,000 EMI, it is not possible to buy a luxury car. At ₹ 50,000 SIP for a reasonable time, it is possible to buy a luxury car. SIPs,” he tweeted through his Twitter handle.
“The SIPs are our competitors. I tell my team if you are able to break that (SIP investment) cycle, then exponential growth is given,” Mr Iyer is quoted as saying in the report.
According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), investments through SIPs stood at ₹ 13,040 crore in October compared to ₹ 12,976.34 crore in September.
The analogy between luxury purchases and savings has attracted many curious reactions on Twitter. Many expect seasoned economists to wade into the debate with their comments.
Source: NDTV-Business