Cardenas added GMC trucks to their inventory in 1973. The increase in inventory demanded that they build a new modern facility located at 1500 North Expressway in Brownsville. Completed in June 1976, the new facility not only permitted an expansion in business volume, but also provided dealership employees with the finest working conditions.

In 1982, Cardenas achieved a new level of success with the launch of a totally new automotive product to the Rio Grande Valley: Isuzu cars and trucks. The following year, Cardenas acquired Dodge car and truck franchises. This momentum carried on in 1988 when GMC medium duty trucks joined the Cardenas line.

In August of 1992, The Cardenas family extended its operations into the upper Rio Grande Valley. Mr. Cardenas' son, Renato G. Cardenas, purchased the assets of Valley Magic Motors, Rio Oldsmobile-Cadillac and Cameron Motors in Harlingen, which formed two new operations known today as Cardenas Autoplex and Cardenas Enterprise. These dealerships are located on Loop 499 in Harlingen and represent six of the top automotive manufacturers: Mercedes-Benz, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Mazda, Toyota and BMW.

Additionally, a satellite location for pre-owned cars was opened in San Benito in September 1994. This location also adds accessory equipment such as window tint, alarms, wheels, gold packages and much more. The latest state of the art detail equipment is also available for custom detail service.

The Cardenas organization also consists of a highly successful Real Estate Development Company managed by daughter, Reba McNair and CUBCO, a Utility Construction Company, managed by son, Ricky Cardenas. The Cardenas organization currently is a Hispanic Fortune 500 company.