Ally Financial

Large banks have scaled back lending as competition has intensified and credit unions and financing arms of car manufacturers are picking up the slack.

Large banks have scaled back lending as competition has intensified and credit unions and financing arms of car manufacturers are picking up the slack.

The weakening car-loan market poses a big challenge for the Detroit-based lender, but it also could also present an opportunity, since other big banks are sharply reducing their exposure.

In a further illustration of weakness in the auto sector, Ally Financial said Tuesday that its 2017 profits will likely be dinged by rising delinquencies on subprime auto loans, as well as by falling used-car prices.

Issuers are using mobile technology to bolster plastic cards, adding new features and controls for consumers.

The $163.7 billion-asset auto lender reported net income of $248 million, down 5.7% as a result of an increased loan-loss provision and noninterest expenses.