Dealer Group Profile: Marty Cancila Auto Group / Cancila Automotive

State of Automotive Directory — 2026 Edition

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Marty Cancila Auto Group, operating primarily under the banner of Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, was a multi-decade fixture in the St. Louis metropolitan area automotive retail landscape. Founded by the late Marty Cancila and later led by his son Tony Cancila as President, the family-owned dealership group served the greater St. Louis region — particularly the North St. Louis County suburb of Florissant, Missouri — for more than 45 years. At its peak, the group was recognized as one of the most established automotive dealerships in the region, offering new and used vehicle sales, factory-certified service, parts and collision repair under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram (CDJR) umbrella.

Following the retirement of second-generation owner Tony Cancila, the dealership was acquired by Clement Auto Group in a transaction that closed in October 2024, representing the end of an era for one of the St. Louis area's longest-standing family-run automotive businesses. The acquisition was brokered by Tim Lamb Group, a national dealership brokerage firm, and marked a significant expansion for Clement Auto Group in the St. Louis market.

This profile provides a comprehensive overview of the Cancila family's automotive legacy, the dealership's operations, community impact, and the eventual transition of ownership.

1. COMPANY OVERVIEW

1.1 Official Name and Structure

The primary operating entity was Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, also referred to in public records and marketing materials as Marty Cancila Auto Group or Cancila Automotive. The dealership was a single-point franchise operation rather than a multi-rooftop auto group in the traditional sense, though the Cancila family name has been associated with multiple automotive ventures throughout the St. Louis region over several decades.

1.2 Headquarters and Location

Physical Address: 2175 N Highway 67 Florissant, MO 63033 (St. Louis Metro Area)

The dealership was situated on a prominent stretch of North Highway 67 (also known as Lindbergh Boulevard in portions) in Florissant, one of the largest municipalities in St. Louis County. Florissant is a suburban community approximately 15 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis, with a population of approximately 50,000 residents. The location provided the dealership with access to major traffic arteries serving both St. Louis County and St. Charles County, two of the region's most populous areas.

The property included a full-service showroom, service center with multiple bays, a certified collision repair center, and a substantial used vehicle lot. The facility was notable for its highly visible frontage along Highway 67, a major north-south thoroughfare that connects I-270, I-70, and numerous residential communities in North St. Louis County.

1.3 Franchise Brands

The dealership's primary franchise agreements were with:

Chrysler
Dodge
Jeep
Ram

These four brands, collectively referred to within the industry as CDJR (Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram), are all part of Stellantis North America (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). As a CDJR dealer, Marty Cancila offered both the mainstream passenger car and SUV lineup from Chrysler, the performance and muscle car heritage of Dodge (including the Challenger and Charger), the legendary off-road and SUV portfolio of Jeep (Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Compass, Renegade, Wagoneer), and the full-size truck and commercial vehicle lineup from Ram.

The CDJR franchise group has historically been one of the most popular and highest-volume franchise groups in the United States, particularly in the Midwest where truck and SUV sales dominate.

1.4 Revenue and Scale

As a private, family-owned business, exact revenue figures for Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram were not publicly disclosed. However, based on industry benchmarks for mid-market CDJR dealerships in the St. Louis metro area with similar facility size and market positioning:

Estimated Annual Revenue: $35-60 million (at peak operations)
Estimated Annual Unit Sales: 600-1,000 new + 300-500 used vehicles
Estimated Total Workforce: 35-60 employees (including sales, service, parts, collision, and administrative staff)

These estimates place Marty Cancila in the middle tier of St. Louis-area CDJR dealerships, competitive but not among the very largest metro dealers. The dealership's 45-year operational history and strong local reputation gave it a loyal customer base that generated consistent service and repeat sales revenue.

2. HISTORY AND FOUNDING

2.1 The Founding of Cancila Automotive

The Cancila family's involvement in the St. Louis automotive industry dates back to the 1970s, when Marty Cancila — a name that would become synonymous with honest, family-oriented car sales in North St. Louis County — founded the dealership. While detailed historical records about Marty Cancila's early career are limited, oral tradition and business records indicate that he entered the car business with a focus on Chrysler Corporation products at a time when the Big Three U.S. automakers dominated the American landscape.

Marty Cancila built the business from the ground up during a transformative era for the American automobile industry. The 1970s and 1980s saw Chrysler experience dramatic ups and downs — including a near-collapse and the legendary government-backed turnaround orchestrated by Lee Iacocca — and Marty Cancila steered the dealership through these turbulent times. His approach was grounded in personal relationships, community involvement, and a straightforward approach to vehicle sales that built trust with customers who, in many cases, remained loyal to the Cancila name for decades.

The dealership originally carried the Chrysler-Plymouth franchise, a common pairing in the post-war era when Chrysler Corporation maintained both brands alongside Dodge and Jeep (which was then part of American Motors Corporation). As the industry consolidated and Plymouth was phased out in 2001, the dealership's franchise mix evolved to focus on Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep, later adding Ram as a standalone brand when Chrysler split its truck lineup from Dodge in 2009-2010.

2.2 The Cancila Family Legacy

The Cancila family name became deeply embedded in the St. Louis automotive community through decades of consistent, values-driven business operations. Marty Cancila established a reputation for honest dealing and customer-focused service that became the hallmark of the dealership. This reputation was not merely a marketing slogan but a lived business philosophy that the Cancila family maintained throughout their 45-year run.

Marty Cancila (Deceased) — The founder and patriarch whose name remained on the dealership signage for more than four decades after its founding. Marty Cancila's personal integrity and commitment to customer satisfaction set the standard for the organization. His name on the building represented a personal guarantee of quality to every customer who walked through the doors.

Tony Cancila — The son of founder Marty Cancila, Tony served as President of Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram during the dealership's later years. A graduate of area schools with deep roots in the St. Louis community, Tony Cancila represented the second generation of family leadership. Under his stewardship, the dealership navigated the challenging transition from the 20th-century automotive retail model to the digital age of car buying, maintaining relevance through evolving consumer preferences, the Great Recession of 2008-2009, and the massive disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain crises.

Tony Cancila was known throughout the local industry as a hands-on operator who maintained the family tradition of personalized service while adapting to modern automotive retailing. His LinkedIn profile describes him as President of the company, and his decision to retire in 2024 after a career spanning decades — including the final approximately 15 years in the President's role — marked the end of the Cancila family's direct operation of the business.

The Cancila family's influence extended beyond just this single dealership. The Cancila name has been associated with multiple automotive ventures in the St. Louis region, reflecting the family's broader involvement in the local car business ecosystem. Various Cancila family members have been involved in dealership operations, sales, and management, creating a multigenerational automotive tradition that is increasingly rare in an era of publicly traded auto retailers and large consolidator groups.

2.3 Company Timeline

Circa 1978-1980: Marty Cancila establishes the dealership in Florissant, MO, initially operating as a Chrysler-Plymouth franchise.
1990s: The dealership grows its footprint and customer base, becoming a well-known fixture in North St. Louis County. The service and parts operations expand, and the facility undergoes upgrades.
2001: Plymouth brand is discontinued; the dealership transitions to focus on Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep.
2009-2010: Chrysler files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; the dealership survives the massive franchise rationalization that saw approximately 789 Chrysler dealerships closed nationwide. Ram is established as a standalone brand.
2010s: Tony Cancila assumes the role of President as the second generation takes leadership. The dealership modernizes its digital presence and adapts to changing consumer shopping habits while maintaining its traditional service-oriented approach.
2020-2022: The COVID-19 pandemic creates unprecedented market conditions. The dealership navigates inventory shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the transition to a high-demand, low-inventory market environment.
2024: Tony Cancila announces his retirement decision. Clement Auto Group, led by Owner and President Raj Clement, agrees to acquire the dealership. The transaction is brokered by Tim Lamb Group, a nationally recognized dealership M&A advisory firm.
October 2024: The sale is publicly announced by the St. Louis Business Journal and other outlets. The acquisition is completed, and the dealership transitions to Clement Auto Group ownership.

3. OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES

3.1 New Vehicle Sales

The dealership's new vehicle sales operation was centered on the Stellantis CDJR product lineup. As a full-line CDJR dealer, Marty Cancila offered:

Chrysler: Pacifica minivan, Voyager, and the Chrysler 300 full-size sedan (discontinued after 2023 model year).
Dodge: The performance-oriented lineup including the Charger, Challenger (discontinued after 2023), Durango SUV, and the Hornet compact crossover.
Jeep: America's iconic off-road brand, including Wrangler, Wrangler 4xe (plug-in hybrid), Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee 4xe, Cherokee, Compass, Renegade, Gladiator pickup, and the all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer large SUVs.
Ram: The full-size pickup truck lineup — Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500/5500 chassis cabs, along with the ProMaster commercial van.

The CDJR product mix was particularly well-suited to the St. Louis market, where pickup trucks, SUVs, and family vehicles dominate consumer preferences. The dealership's location in a suburban market with strong demand for trucks and SUVs gave it natural advantages in moving high-volume, high-margin product.

3.2 Used Vehicle Sales

A substantial portion of the dealership's volume came from used vehicle sales. Like most franchised dealers, Marty Cancila operated a used car department that sourced inventory through trade-ins, auction purchases, and wholesale acquisitions. The used vehicle operation allowed the dealership to offer a wider range of price points and brands beyond the CDJR lineup, serving customers who might not be in the market for a new vehicle or who were cross-shopping multiple brands.

The used vehicle department was particularly important during the 2021-2023 period when new vehicle inventory was severely constrained by semiconductor shortages and supply chain disruptions. During this time, used car operations became the primary profit center for many franchised dealers nationwide.

3.3 Service and Parts Department

The service and parts operation was a critical component of the dealership's business model. As a CDJR-authorized service center, Marty Cancila provided:

Factory-scheduled maintenance
Warranty repairs
Mechanical and electrical diagnostics
Major component replacement (engines, transmissions)
Tires, brakes, and alignments
Air conditioning service
Factory genuine parts sales

The service department was a significant recurring revenue source and customer retention driver. Industry data shows that franchised dealership service departments typically generate 40-50% of total dealership gross profit, making service operations essential to overall profitability.

3.4 Certified Collision Repair Center

A distinguishing feature of the Marty Cancila operation was its on-site certified collision repair center. The Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Collision Center was a factory-certified body shop and paint shop capable of restoring vehicles to factory specifications. The collision center's certification meant it met Stellantis's strict standards for equipment, technician training, and repair processes.

The collision center worked with all major insurance companies and offered customers a streamlined experience through what the dealership called the "Marty Cancila Fast Lane" — a process designed to expedite repairs and minimize customer inconvenience. Having a certified collision center on-site was a competitive advantage, as many dealers outsource body repair work, and it created an additional profit center and customer touchpoint.

3.5 Special Programs and Customer Services

The dealership offered a range of special programs designed to make vehicle ownership more accessible:

CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) Vehicles: Factory-backed used cars with extended warranties
Military and First Responder Discounts: Special pricing for service members and emergency personnel
College Graduate Program: Incentives and simplified financing for recent graduates
Lifetime Oil Changes and Service Plans: Programs designed to lock in long-term service loyalty
Financing and Leasing: Relationships with major auto lenders and Chrysler Capital

4. MARKET POSITION AND COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

4.1 St. Louis Metro Market

The St. Louis metropolitan statistical area, with a population of approximately 2.8 million residents, is one of the largest and most competitive automotive markets in the Midwest. The market spans across Missouri and Illinois, encompassing St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and the Metro East region of Illinois (Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe counties).

The CDJR franchise group is well-represented in the St. Louis market, with multiple competing dealers serving different geographic submarkets. Marty Cancila's primary catchment area was North St. Louis County and the surrounding areas, where it competed with:

Other CDJR dealers in the metro area (approximately 8-10 CDJR points in the broader market)
Independent used car dealers
New car dealers representing competing brands (Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia)
Online retailers and digital platforms (Carvana, Vroom, CarMax)

4.2 Competitive Positioning

Marty Cancila's competitive differentiation was rooted in its family-owned identity and long track record. In an era of increasing consolidation and corporate ownership of auto dealerships, the Cancila family's name on the building carried weight with customers who valued personal relationships and knew they were dealing with a locally-owned business whose reputation was tied directly to the community.

The dealership marketed itself around several key value propositions:

Fast, Friendly, and Hassle-Free experience (as stated on their website and LinkedIn)
Family-owned and operated for more than 45 years
St. Louis' hometown dealer
Customer guarantee on sales and service
Convenient location on Highway 67 in Florissant

4.3 Industry Trends and Challenges

Throughout its operational history, Marty Cancila faced the same industry headwinds that affected all franchised dealerships:

Manufacturer Consolidation: Chrysler's 2009 bankruptcy and the subsequent reduction of dealer networks nationwide put pressure on all CDJR dealers.
Digital Disruption: The rise of online car shopping, third-party lead generation sites, and digital retailing tools forced traditional dealers to invest in technology and change their sales processes.
Inventory Volatility: The 2021-2023 semiconductor shortage created the most severe inventory crisis in modern automotive history, with dealerships operating on historically low stock levels.
Interest Rate Environment: Rising interest rates from 2022-2024 increased monthly payments for consumers, creating affordability challenges.
Consolidation: Large publicly-traded dealer groups (AutoNation, Lithia, Penske, Group 1, Sonic) and regional consolidators have aggressively acquired family-owned dealerships, often outbidding private buyers for prime locations.

5. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND PHILANTHROPY

5.1 Local Community Presence

As a family-owned business with deep roots in the St. Louis region, Marty Cancila maintained an active presence in the local community. The Cancila family's commitment extended beyond the dealership's walls to include support for local schools, sports teams, and community organizations in Florissant and the broader North St. Louis County area.

Family-owned dealerships like Marty Cancila have historically been among the most generous small business supporters of local communities, donating vehicles for charity events, sponsoring youth sports teams, supporting school fundraisers, and participating in local chambers of commerce and business associations.

5.2 Automotive Industry Contributions

Tony Cancila's leadership in the local automotive community extended to participation in industry organizations, dealer associations, and professional networks. The Cancila name was recognized and respected among peers in the St. Louis Automobile Dealers Association and other industry groups.

5.3 Legacy of the Cancila Name

The Cancila family's four-decade-plus commitment to the St. Louis automotive market represents a significant legacy. In an industry where dealer groups are increasingly bought, sold, and consolidated every few years, the Cancila family's consistent ownership and operation of the same dealership for 45+ years stands as a testament to their business acumen and commitment to their customers and community.

6. TRANSACTION AND TRANSITION

6.1 The Sale to Clement Auto Group

In October 2024, the St. Louis Business Journal broke the news that Clement Auto Group, an independent auto group operating multiple dealerships in the St. Louis region, had purchased Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram from retiring owner Tony Cancila.

Clement Auto Group is led by Owner and President Raj Clement. The group has been active in the St. Louis market and has been growing its footprint through strategic acquisitions. Clement Auto Group is known for operating well-capitalized, professionally managed dealerships that maintain the local identities of the stores they acquire while bringing additional resources, technology, and operational expertise.

6.2 Transaction Details

The transaction was brokered by Tim Lamb Group, a nationally recognized dealership brokerage and M&A advisory firm based in Columbus, Ohio. Tim Lamb Group is widely recognized as the #1 auto dealership broker in North America, specializing in representing sellers in dealership sales, acquisitions, and mergers.

Tim Wild of Tim Lamb Group was the lead broker on the transaction. In public statements, Wild noted: "Selling to a local dealer is a very delicate situation. Raj was sensitive to the Cancila family concerns as he moved through the purchasing process."

This comment highlights the particular complexity of intra-market dealership sales, where the selling family often has deep emotional and community ties to the business and is concerned about the treatment of employees, customers, and the family name post-transaction.

6.3 Rationale for the Sale

The sale was precipitated by Tony Cancila's decision to retire after a career spanning decades in the automotive business. The dealership had been in the Cancila family since its founding by Marty Cancila, and with no apparent third-generation family member ready or willing to take over, the decision to sell was a natural and logical conclusion to the family's ownership.

The timing of the sale — late 2024 — was also significant from a market perspective. After the pandemic-driven boom in dealership profits (2021-2023), the market was normalizing, and many dealers who had been considering retirement saw 2024 as an opportune moment to sell while dealership valuations remained historically high.

6.4 Post-Transaction Status

Following the acquisition by Clement Auto Group, the Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram location transitioned to new ownership. The facility at 2175 N Highway 67 in Florissant continues to operate as a CDJR dealership under Clement Auto Group's management.

The Yelp listing for Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram was updated to reflect "CLOSED" status under the Cancila name as of mid-2025, confirming that the branding has been retired and the dealership now operates under the Clement Auto Group umbrella.

7. ASSESSMENT AND SIGNIFICANCE

7.1 Historical Significance

Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram represents an important chapter in the history of St. Louis automotive retail. The Cancila family's 45-year run is a textbook example of the American family business model in automotive retail:

Founder-led growth through the consolidation era of the 1980s-1990s
Second-generation succession that preserved the family business model
Adaptation through industry disruption (bankruptcy, recession, pandemic, digital transformation)
Graceful exit through sale to a respected local operator

7.2 Industry Lessons

The Cancila story offers several lessons for the automotive industry:

The Value of Reputation: A family name on the dealership represents a personal guarantee. Customers who bought from Marty Cancila decades ago returned to buy from Tony, and that loyalty was the dealership's most valuable asset.
The Challenge of Succession: The dealership's sale was driven by the lack of a third-generation successor. This pattern is playing out across thousands of family-owned dealerships nationwide as Baby Boomer and Gen X owners reach retirement age without clear succession plans.
Local Matters: Even in an era of digital car buying, local family-owned dealerships with deep community ties maintain competitive advantages over faceless national operators.
Consolidation is Inevitable: The Cancila family's sale to Clement Auto Group is part of a broader industry trend that shows no signs of slowing.

7.3 Current Status (2026)

As of the 2026 edition of the State of Automotive Directory, the Marty Cancila name has been retired from active use in the St. Louis market. The physical location continues to operate as part of the Clement Auto Group network, and the Cancila family's legacy lives on through the decades of customer relationships and community contributions they built.

The transition represents both an end and a continuation: an end to the Cancila family's direct involvement in day-to-day operations, and a continuation of the service tradition at a location that has been serving St. Louis car buyers since the 1970s.

8. KEY PERSONNEL HISTORY

8.1 Marty Cancila (Founder, Deceased)

Role: Founder and Dealer Principal (circa 1978-2000s) Background: Founded the dealership that bore his name. Built the business from a single franchise point into a respected St. Louis institution. His name on the building was synonymous with integrity and fair dealing for decades.

8.2 Tony Cancila (President, Retired 2024)

Role: President (approximately 2010-2024) Background: Son of founder Marty Cancila. Led the dealership through the challenging post-recession era, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the industry's digital transformation. Announced retirement in 2024, precipitating the sale to Clement Auto Group. LinkedIn: Present on LinkedIn as President of Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, with a comprehensive professional profile reflecting his leadership role.

9. SOURCES AND METHODOLOGY

9.1 Information Sources

This profile was compiled from publicly available information including:

St. Louis Business Journal: Report on Clement Auto Group's acquisition of Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (October 16, 2024)
Tim Lamb Group: Press release and blog post regarding the brokerage of the sale transaction
LinkedIn: Company and personal profiles for Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and Tony Cancila
Yelp: Business listing indicating closure under the Cancila name
Wayback Machine (Internet Archive): Archived versions of the dealership's website
Clement Auto Group: Public communications regarding the acquisition
Facebook: Marty Cancila DCJ Facebook page
Industry Benchmark Data: Publicly available data on CDJR dealership performance metrics

9.2 Research Notes

As a closely-held private business that did not publicly disclose financial information, certain details in this profile (particularly revenue estimates, unit sales volumes, and employee counts) are estimates based on industry benchmarks for similarly-sized CDJR dealerships in comparable markets. These estimates should be considered directional rather than definitive.

The dealership's website (martycanciladodgechryslerjeep.com) was actively maintained through the time of the sale but has since been redirected or taken offline as part of the ownership transition. Archived versions were referenced where available.

10. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

CDJR: Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, the brand group sold at the dealership
Point/Franchise: A single dealership location with a specific brand franchise
Rooftop: Industry term for a physical dealership location
Consolidation: The trend of larger groups acquiring smaller dealerships
Stellantis: The multinational automotive manufacturer that owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and other brands (formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group)
Dealer Principal: The owner or primary stakeholder of a dealership
M&A: Mergers and acquisitions

Profile written for the State of Automotive Directory, 2026 Edition. Last updated: May 2026.

This profile is based on publicly available information and industry research. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details may have changed since publication. Corrections and updates can be submitted to the State of Automotive editorial team.

Marty Cancila Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram