DETROIT — Amid reports this week that General Motors might be considering several options that would put the automaker back into auto financing, Ally Financial released a statement Wednesday emphasizing its commitment to and strong position within the auto lending industry.

"Ally Financial Inc. (Ally) is committed to supporting the auto industry with competitive financing products and services to enable vehicle manufacturers and auto dealers to achieve their goals of selling and leasing vehicles," said Michael Carpenter, chief executive officer for the company, which officially transitioned its corporate branding from GMAC Inc. to Ally Financial Inc. this week.

Carpenter further noted that about 6,000 dealers and "millions of consumers" have been provided financing from Ally, which is the biggest lender for GM and Chrysler, he added.

"Today, we are better positioned to offer more stable funding through a variety of economic climates and to be more competitive from improved funding costs related to an increased level of deposit funding from our commercial bank and an improving business model," Carpenter continued.

He added: "Ally, and its GMAC automotive financing operation, is committed to being the premier global automotive financing company, and the first quarter marked significant progress for the company."

In fact, the company enjoyed its first operational profit for the first time in almost three years (the last operational profit was the second quarter of 2007), officials noted. The company also made its back into the global capital markets and Ally's credit rating saw "upgrades."

"As we continue our transformation, we remain committed to improving our performance, repaying the U.S. taxpayer, and providing our customers — automakers, dealers and consumers alike — with exemplary service and compelling products to meet their needs," Carpenter shared.

To drive the point home further, Ally offered testimony from dealers using its services.

Sharing his perspective, Tom Durant of Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, Texas, noted: "Our relationship with GMAC is working great. 

"Going back to the way we were would be a step backward," added Durant, who also is a member of GM's National Dealer Council. "GMAC rates are very competitive."

Meanwhile, Carl Black Automotive Group's Mike Bowsher, who is the co-chairman of the Buick-GMC Dealer Council, shared his thoughts: "My business is thriving and GMAC is a big reason for that.  GMAC is buying great. 

"They get 70 percent of my retail financing business and all of my floor plan," Bowsher continued.  Service has never been better. GMAC hasn't been this good in a long time. It feels like the old days again."

Next, Steve Moore of Steve Moore Chevrolet in Charlotte, N.C., chimed in, saying that "GMAC's current, enhanced business model gives us a stable and competitive source of funding for all our wholesale and retail needs. 

"We have an outstanding working relationship with GMAC, a relationship we have enjoyed for over 35 years," he shared.

Management Changes at Ally

In other news from the company, Ally announced that it has filled the newly created position of chief administrative officer. Joining the company is Barbara Yastine, whose most recent post was as principal of Southgate Investment Partners.

Ally made the move in response to chief risk officer Samuel Ramsey's decision last week to resign for personal reasons. Ramsey will stay with the company through the end of the month and will then take on the role of an adviser on key strategic initiations during the company's transformation.

Meanwhile, in Yastine's new position, her duties are to head up the risk, compliance, legal and technology aspects of Ally.

Yastine will be based in New York and report to Carpenter.

"Barbara is an accomplished leader and brings a broad range of financial services experience to the company," noted Carpenter. "In this new role, she will have oversight of the key risk management and control activities that are critical as a bank holding company. 

"Her capabilities will complement that of our existing management team, and I'm pleased to welcome her to Ally," he continued.

Carpenter added: "Sam has been instrumental in the company's leadership in recent years, including initiatives related to the transition to a bank holding company as well as strengthening the company's capital position during a critical period. I want to thank him for his contribution and am pleased that we will continue to benefit from his experience in an advisory capacity."

Discussing Yastine's experience in more detail, officials noted that from 2002 to 2004 she served as Credit Suisse First Boston before her time with Southgate Investment Partners. Yastine's experience also includes 15 years with Citigroup and its predecessors.

Her first position in the industry was as head of investor relations for Travelers.