DETROIT — Ally Financial’s auto finance business was named a Diamond Award winner in the “Prime Captive Finance Company” category of Auto Dealer Monthly’s 2013 Dealers’ Choice Awards.

The annual contest also rewarded the company’s SmartAuction with its ninth consecutive Platinum award in the “Online Auction for Purchasing Inventory” category. The distinction adds to SmartAuction’s status as the only company to win an award in the Online Auctions Purchasing Inventory category every year since the Dealers’ Choice Awards began in 2004.

“There are no better recognitions than those that come directly from your customers, and this is further proof that we are living up to our promise to be a true ally to dealers,” said Tim Russi, president of Auto Finance for Ally Financial. “Our thanks go out to our dealer customers along with our promise to continue to deliver the products and services that led to this award.”

Steve Kapusta, vice president of SmartAuction, added, “We’re working hard every day to make SmartAuction the first choice of buyers and consignors who need to manage their used vehicle inventory efficiently and it’s an honor to be recognized by Auto Dealer Monthly and our customers for our efforts.”