The REAL ID Act sets a new standard for identity verification and represents a step forward in the fight against synthetic ID fraud. So why are so many dealers verifying IDs the old-fashioned way? +

Lotlinx’s Len Short digs beneath the headlines to review a litany of first quarter auto retail and finance reports and distills them into four key points in his latest contribution to DealerELITE. +

The Dealertrack Credit Availability Index fell from 96.3 in March to 95.7 in April, an 0.7% decrease driven by fewer loans extended to subprime buyers. +

Kelley Blue Book reports U.S. average transaction prices increased by 2.5% for new vehicles between March and April while Carfax finds used units enjoyed an unusually large “spring bounce.” +

U.S. and Chinese officials announced a 90-day pause on steep tariffs imposed upon each other’s exports, including vehicles and parts, in a sudden de-escalation that could lead to a long-term agreement. +

More than 1,700 New Yorkers who bought out leases arranged at eight Nissan dealerships will get a share of a $3.2 million settlement the dealers reached with Attorney General Letitia James. +

Chairman Jerome Powell says the Federal Reserve will not reduce its target lending rate, holding at 4.25% to 4.5% as evolving economic and trade policies make future conditions difficult to predict. +

Group 1 Automotive reported a 5% increase in F&I profit per vehicle in the first quarter, leading the six biggest publicly traded U.S. auto groups, five of which reported year-over-year gains. +

Citing import tariffs, Ford has informed its U.S. dealers that MSRPs will increase by up to $2,000 per vehicle, effective May 2. The first affected units are expected to be delivered in June. +

Kerri Wise has joined Lotlinx as chief marketing officer, bringing 25 years of industry experience to the inventory management solutions provider as it grows and leans into AI and machine learning technology. +