Partners launch new auto business with aim of supporting newcomers

A group of five Nigerian-born partners have launched an auto business in Brandon, citing the city’s stability and growing newcomer population as key reasons for their investment.

The company, 5IVE Point Auto Inc., began operations in May and runs an auto yard and parts business that dismantles cars for parts, provides basic repairs, sells pre-owned vehicles and ships vehicles and auto components across Canada and to West Africa.

The idea grew out of a shared desire among the partners to create jobs and reduce barriers newcomers face when settling in Canada, especially in Brandon, co-owner Bankole Abejide told the Sun.

“Brandon is a stable market for immigrants, and we are looking for something that would create employment and also encourage immigrants that they can start something meaningful here,” Abejide said.

“This is about creating opportunities and solving real problems people are facing.”

Abejide, who is also the founder and co-owner of Abramson Taxi, said most of the partners have technical backgrounds, including mechanical engineering experience, allowing the company to assess vehicle condition and carry out repairs in-house.

The business currently operates on about 2.2 acres of land on 17th Street East and has roughly 55 vehicles on site. He said more than 60 additional vehicles have already been dismantled and shipped across Canada and to West Africa, with other parts sent to salvage yards in recent months.

5IVE Point Auto buys vehicles from across Canada, including Calgary and Montreal, reselling some locally while shipping others overseas to Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic. The company also helps customers ship vehicles within Canada, including to Toronto and Calgary.

Abejide said affordability is a key focus, particularly for newcomers, international students and low-income buyers.

“Some people don’t have a lot of money when they arrive,” he said. “We try to make sure they can get a vehicle between $3,000 and $5,000 that is actually in good condition.”

He said many immigrants are unfamiliar with vehicle inspections and often “got their fingers burnt” by private sales. 5IVE Point Auto aims to reduce that risk by inspecting vehicles and offering post-sale support.

“If there is an issue, they can bring the car back, and we can help fix it,” Abejide said.

The business is intended to be a model of immigrant-led job creation, co-owner Joshua Owolabi told the Sun on Tuesday.

“This is about giving back to the community,” Owolabi said. “Lack of employment opportunities is a key reason some newcomers leave Brandon after only a few months or years. If we have more businesses like this, people will have something to do and something to build on, and that stability helps people stay.”

Owolabi said collaboration among the partners was critical to launching the business and encouraged other newcomers to consider pooling resources.

“If you go alone, you can go, but if you go together, you go far,” he said. “Everyone brings strength to the table.”

The company currently employs two permanent workers and relies on contract labour for loading, dismantling and mechanical work. Abejide said at least eight people are typically hired on contract during shipping and dismantling operations.

Plans are underway to expand staffing early next year, including hiring a yard manager in January. The partners also plan to build a larger mechanical and autobody shop on the property in 2026.

Transportation and shipping costs have been the biggest challenge so far, Abejide said, as containers must be moved through Winnipeg, adding extra expense.

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