Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / The Bannister Automotive Group announced Thursday (May 2) that it has added O'Connor Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram as the newest dealership in their automotive portfolio.O'Connor Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Bannister has four other car dealerships in Chilliwack under the Bannister Automotive Group family of dealerships. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Bannister Automotive Group

Bannister Automotive Group acquires longtime Chilliwack car dealership

May 2, 2024 | 4:56 PM

CHILLIWACK — A family business that got its start in Western Canada and later expanded its footprint throughout British Columbia before establishing a presence in the Fraser Valley has announced the acquisition of a longtime business in Chilliwack.

According to a news release, the Bannister Automotive Group announced Thursday (May 2) that it has added O’Connor Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram as the newest dealership in their automotive portfolio.

“This is a very exciting acquisition for our Group,” says Steve Stone, Chief Operations Officer for Bannister Automotive Group. “In addition to adding these Stellantis brands to our lineup for the first time, we are expanding our support of Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley with this, our fifth store in the city.”

The dealership, operating under the new name of Bannister Chilliwack Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, says it will strive to provide the same top-quality service at its current convenient location of 45730 Hocking Avenue.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / O’Connor Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, pictured at Yale and Hocking, will now become known as Bannister Chilliwack Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

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“We are so thankful to Shane O’Connor and his family for the work that has gone into making this dealership such a success,” Stone added. “With an exceptional culture among the staff, the obvious commitment to the community of the Fraser Valley, and the years of dedication and success in the market, we are excited to carry the torch and continue the legacy built here.”

For Yasir R. Khan, the new general manager and partner of Bannister Chilliwack Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, the idea of building upon their legacy is something he will prioritize.

“It’s clear that the success of this dealership has been made possible by the incredible staff and the culture that Shane and his team have built,” Khan said. “I’m thrilled to be joining this team, and my family is so excited to call Chilliwack home.”

Bannister Automotive Group is a large and progressive dealer group with locations in the Okanagan Valley, Columbia-Shuswap, Peace Region, Kootenays, Yellowhead County, and the Fraser Valley.

Bannister has given back to the Chilliwack community in big ways. In March 2023, the Bannister Auto Group of Chilliwack made a significant donation of $100,000 towards the largest project in the nearly 100-year history of Chilliwack Community Services (CCS), the Paramount Building project.

“The Paramount Project is the result of our vision to help our community to address housing affordability, particularly for seniors and young adults,” the Facebook post from Bannister Hyundai Chilliwack stated. “CCS has a long history of providing safe and affordable housing through our Village Olympic Project, and this project builds on our commitment to housing. Through this project, we are providing 66 units of housing, 58 for seniors and eight for young adults, comprised of units running from deep subsidy to under-market rent prices. We are also able through the Paramount Project to bring together staff of CCS to one location on the first two floors. CCS is also committed to the downtown and to being part of its amazing redevelopment through the efforts of the City and CEPCO.”

In December 2023, Bannister announced that it raised over $78,000 for the Chilliwack Salvation Army by donating $100 from every car the company sold.

“Thank you to the sales team for your hard work; we’ve made a significant impact on local families in need,” Bannister Kia said in December 2023. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to making a positive difference in our community and have exciting plans for the new year. Thanks to everyone who supported us—your contributions have transformed lives and strengthened our community bond. Cheers to a future of continued compassion, collaboration, and positive change!”

The Chilliwack Salvation Army returned the favor with its own expression of gratitude in December 2023.

“We are blown away by the generosity and hard work of the Bannister Auto Group team, who donated $100 from every car they sold from August to November to raise money for the Salvation Army Food Bank!! We are incredibly grateful for the support of all 4 Bannister dealerships, and we are exciting to continue working with you!” Chilliwack Salvation Army wrote on Facebook.

Just today, Thursday, May 2, Bannister Auto Group announced that it ran a campaign to raise enough money to purchase a ventilator for Chilliwack General Hospital through the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation.

“We donated $100 for every vehicle we sold in the first 3 months of the year,” Bannister general manager Brian Westwell wrote in an email to Fraser Valley Today. “This was supported by the sales team at each of the 4 locations: Bannister GM, Bannister Hyundai, Bannister Kia, and Bannister Nissan. I am very proud of the staff for their support on this community initiative. They set a goal to raise enough money for a ventilator and they achieved it. It is very special to work with people that take pride in their community and give back.”

For dealership contact information and more, visit www.bannisters.com.