Morrey Auto Group Named 2005 Burnaby Business Hall of Fame Recipient

Building and sustaining strong relationships is the cornerstone of any successful business. Inductees to the 2005 Burnaby Hall of Fame, the Morrey Auto Group have created one of BC's most enduring family-run auto retailing businesses on this very principle. The business has grown from a service station selling Studebakers and Austins in Vancouver to four dealerships across the Lower Mainland employing over 265 staff members.

Established by family patriarch Syd Morrey in the 1930s, the Morrey Auto Group began as a lone service station in the Marpole area of Vancouver. Back then; it was quite common for service operations to sell one or two vehicle brands. Morrey took on both Studebaker and Austin, the latter make being a major seller in BC in the post-war years. Described as a "strong character" by those who knew him, Morrey was well up to the task of competing with more established dealerships.

Syd Morrey was joined in business by twin sons Gary and Lyle, who became involved early in their lives and went on to run the operation when their father retired. From the start, the twins worked in all facets of the business, swapping jobs regularly to 'learn the ropes' in every department. This led to taking the gas station to a higher level, while continuing to sell Studebakers and Austin products

In 1964, Syd Morrey was awarded Canada's first Datsun (now Nissan) franchise, an opportunity that he enthusiastically accepted. At a time that big American cars ruled the road, a Japanese auto franchise was by no means a guarantee of success, but Morrey wisely persevered.

The legacy of the Morrey Auto Group now rests with the third generation of Morreys, known as "the juniors" amongst the group - Jarrett, Jason, Steve, and Rick. Although Gary and Lyle are still very much involved, "the juniors" run the business on a day-to-day basis and each manage one of the dealerships.

Right now, the Morrey Auto Group covers three major brands - Nissan, Infiniti, and Mazda. The dealerships include Nissan Burnaby (Jarrett Morrey), Nissan/Infiniti Coquitlam (Jason Morrey), Morrey Mazda Vancouver (Rick Morrey), and Morrey Mazda North Shore (Steve Morrey).

Congratulations to the Morrey Auto Group for being named as the 2005 Burnaby Business Excellence Hall of Fame recipient.

Lyle and Gary Morrey