AutoVision News Radio

Making the Most of Your 2026 Tax Refund for Your Car

Spring has arrived, and for many of us, that means dealing with seasonal allergies and taxes. While this episode of AutoVision News Radio won’t help with the sneezing and watering eyes (unless you count moral support), it can certainly help you make the most of your 2026 tax refund.
 
With the average IRS refund estimated at $3,500, AV Radio host Carl Anthony explores how to turn that one-time check into a long-term investment for your vehicle. We discuss how a principal-only payment can shave months off a car loan, which maintenance services are most important for longevity, and how to modernize your daily commute with something like a premium radar detector.
 
More Resources: 
 
4 smart ways to use your 2026 tax refund to save thousands on your car via Carl Anthony for How-To Geek:https://tinyurl.com/mucye67r
 
Tax filing season progressing smoothly with timely refund processing and a high use of electronic filing via the Internal Revenue Service: https://tinyurl.com/msk76598
 
I ran a dealership express lube—these 4 services help your car last 200,000 miles via Carl Anthony for How-To Geek: https://tinyurl.com/yhtuyrjz
 
Follow AutoVision News Radio on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/49jyrd3b
 
AV Radio is a Detroit Deep Media Production: https://detroitdeepmedia.com/

No Transmission, No Problem: Inside the 2027 Nissan Rogue e-POWER

Nissan has unveiled a dual-pathway approach to its North American electrification strategy with the introduction of the 2027 Rogue Hybrid e-POWER. Debuting at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, this unique series-hybrid system distinguishes itself from competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V in a few key ways.
 
On this AV Radio episode, Carl Anthony expands on the specifics of the e-POWER system, which utilizes the gasoline engine as a generator. Complete with Nissan's dual-motor AWD system and the return of the e-Pedal, the Rogue Hybrid e-POWER could be an attractive option for buyers not quite ready for a full EV.
 
More Resources:
 
Nissan's no-transmission hybrid for 2027 is different from every RAV4 and CR-V via Carl Anthony for How-To Geek: https://tinyurl.com/4z55xpvf
 
Follow AutoVision News Radio on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/49jyrd3b
 
AV Radio is a Detroit Deep Media Production: https://detroitdeepmedia.com/

Highway Robbery: Anatomy of a Toll Road Scam

It starts with a ping on your phone: "According to our records, you have an outstanding toll charge." It looks official, cites municipal codes, and threatens a late fee or legal action if the balance remains unpaid. But there’s a catch. You haven't been to that state recently, if at all.
 
On this episode of AutoVision News Radio, Carl Anthony examines the recent surge of toll-related text scams. Drawing from his latest reporting for technology website How-To Geek, Carl explains why these "smishing" attacks are so effective and how scammers exploit our desire to be law-abiding citizens to steal sensitive financial data.
 
In this AV Radio episode:
The Spray-and-Pray Method: Why you're getting texts from states you've never visited.
Red Flags: How to spot the differences between a fake URL and a legitimate agency site.
Verification vs. Panic: Safe ways to check your account status without falling into a trap.
Protective Steps: What to do if you continue to receive these messages.
More Resources:
 
Why you’re getting unpaid toll texts from states you’ve never visited via Carl Anthony for How-To Geek: https://tinyurl.com/3p93ej9e
 
FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
 
Follow AutoVision News Radio on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/49jyrd3b
 
AV Radio is a Detroit Deep Media Production: https://detroitdeepmedia.com/

An Audio Tour of the 2026 Detroit Auto Show

Rugged off-road vehicles, rad sports cars, roller coasters, and radar detectors. AV Radio host Carl Anthony takes us on an audio tour of the 2026 Detroit Auto Show, held at the Huntington Place between January 14th and the 25th, 2026.  Vehicles and highlights featured on this tour include:1970 Phone Booth Mobile
Life-sized Hot Wheels car!
Bluetooth, before we had actual Bluetooth.
Lexus LF-LC Concept
GL-A global architecture.
Stronger than the LFA supercar.
Camp Jeep
Raw materials and tires on the floor!
The number of people who have experienced it.
Debate between the Gladiator Rubicon and the Wrangler Rubicon.
2026 Honda Prelude
Chassis components from the Civic Type R.  
Unique two-motor hybrid electric powertrain.
One of the coolest sports cars with style to match.
2026 GMC Hummer EV SUV 2X
Bright Solar Orange exterior paint.
King Crab mode and how it works.
Perfect for the next Transformers movie.
2026 Subaru BRZ
2.4-liter Boxer engine, six-speed manual, and Michelin tires.
Affordable and fun, the BRZ is a blast to drive wherever you go.
2026 Kia K4 Hatchback
Powertrain overview between trim levels.
Nearly 30 inches of interior screen space!
Hatchback styling is a nice addition to the already popular K4 sedan.
More Resources:“I Read Them All” ft. Sam Klemet of the Detroit Auto Show: https://tinyurl.com/55nwz3vaThe Detroit Auto Show through the years via The Detroit News: https://tinyurl.com/5ys5fdteCamp Jeep, Classic Fiats, Cool Concepts, and Cinema Cars: An Audio Tour of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show: https://tinyurl.com/34pnhy5kFollow AutoVision News Radio on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/49jyrd3bAV Radio is a Detroit Deep Media Production: https://detroitdeepmedia.com/ 

“I Read Them All” ft. Sam Klemet of the Detroit Auto Show

My Drive. My City. My Show. Although written as three individual statements as part of the high-octane creative campaign around the Detroit Auto Show, we could easily rephrase them as questions. For us in The 313, what does our drive look like? What should our city be? And what does our show—the Detroit Auto Show—mean to us?
 
Sam Klemet, Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, joins AV Radio host Carl Anthony for a heartfelt discussion about the 2026 Detroit Auto Show and the immersive experience that awaits attendees. A journalist by nature, Sam recalls his early days in radio and his tenure as President and CEO of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, and how those experiences prepared him to eventually helm the Detroit Auto Show.
 
He also shares the legacy he hopes the Detroit Auto Show will one day leave and why, when it comes to criticisms of the event, it’s essential to “read them all.”
 
More Resources:
 
Detroit Auto Show Website: https://detroitautoshow.com/
 
My Drive. My City. My Show. There is Only One Motor City: https://tinyurl.com/z43d6evs
 
New song for Detroit Auto Show a Love Letter to City via Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Special to The Detroit News: https://tinyurl.com/45mesn99
 
Camp Jeep, Classic Fiats, Cool Concepts, and Cinema Cars: An Audio Tour of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show: https://tinyurl.com/34pnhy5k
 
Follow AutoVision News Radio on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/49jyrd3b
 
AV Radio is a Detroit Deep Media Production: https://detroitdeepmedia.com/ 

The Value of Being Yourself ft. Elena Ciccotelli of the EVs for Everyone Podcast

An entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for informing people about the latest trends and technologies as they relate to electric vehicles, and a golden doodle who is possibly related to Chewbacca. All of that (and more) encompasses the life and work of Elena Ciccotelli, host and producer of the EVs for Everyone podcast! 
Her podcast offers a fun and entertaining look at how some of the world's most innovative and imaginative stakeholders are racing towards an electrified future. Elena is a respected corporate influencer who works with leading brands to create content that "steals the spotlight" so key messages are received and understood. As she often says, "I'm your secret weapon to cut through the noise and get noticed."
Elena joins AV Radio host Carl Anthony to share more about her time with Lyft, the inspiration behind the EVs for Everyone podcast, and how the industry made a marketing misstep when electric vehicles first hit the road. She also opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the joy of having the companionship of a pet, and why it's always best to simply be yourself.  
More Resources:
EVs for Everyone Podcast: https://evs4everyone.com/ 
Work with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/elena/ 
Top 20 Voices in Automotive 2025 via Automotive IQ: https://tinyurl.com/4577r48n 
Follow AutoVision News Radio on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/49jyrd3b 
AV Radio is a Detroit Deep Media Production: https://detroitdeepmedia.com/  

Notable Events In Los Angeles: On-Road Evaluation of Active Driving Assistance Systems

Although ADAS features can be beneficial in certain situations, drivers must remain diligent and engaged behind the wheel. In a comprehensive study, AAA researchers evaluated five passenger vehicles with low-speed-capable active driving assistance systems across the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Two primary objectives were established for the study: How do the active driving assistance systems of late-model vehicles perform in heavy traffic, and how does a hands-off system compare with a hands-on system?
AV Radio host Carl Anthony summarizes the findings of this AAA study, in which the ADAS systems under test experienced a "notable event" every nine minutes.   
More Resources:
Active Driving Assistance: Promising Technology, Lingering Challenges via AAA Newsroom: https://tinyurl.com/3fd8u5ee 
Clearing the Confusion—Common Naming for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: https://tinyurl.com/yc4xrvzu 
Would You Trust a Self-Driving Car? ft. Greg Brannon of AAA: https://tinyurl.com/25xhzwdt 
Follow AutoVision News Radio on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/49jyrd3b
AV Radio is a Detroit Deep Media Production: https://detroitdeepmedia.com/ 

School Safety Checklist

Although these safety tips are perfect for the "Back to School" season, they can be used all year by parents and guardians. AV Radio host Carl Anthony provides a summary of the School Safety Checklist from the National Safety Council, which includes tips for children who walk, bike, or ride the bus to school.
More Resources:
School Safety Checklist from the National Safety Council: https://tinyurl.com/2dhyvd4y 
Reducing the Illegal Passing of School Buses via NHTSA: https://tinyurl.com/3urvzrxx 
9 Surprising Facts About the History of Pencils via Brandon Specktor for Reader's Digest: https://tinyurl.com/5d4xutj4 
The History of How School Buses Became Yellow via Bryan Greene for Smithsonian Magazine: https://tinyurl.com/49hft3bn 
Follow AutoVision News Radio on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/49jyrd3b
AV Radio is a Detroit Deep Media Production: https://detroitdeepmedia.com/ 

Inside The InCabin Space ft. Sara Sargent of Sense Media Group

From biometric sensing, connectivity, and audio innovations on the technology side, to DMS/OMS, health and wellness, and personalization on the application side, the in-cabin ecosystem is expanding, fueled by rapid demand in China, new regulations, and even the implementation of AI and synthetic data.
As vehicles increasingly become our "third spaces," how do we ensure such spaces are safe, comfortable, and productive? If we are working in the automotive industry, and specifically, the in-cabin space, how can we keep up with the latest trends and technologies?
Sara Sargent, Principal Brand Strategist for the global InCabin conference, organized by Sense Media Group, joins us for this edition of AV Radio. Although an already established ADAS engineer, Sara recalls the steep learning curve when she first entered the in-cabin space and how interfacing with companies and stakeholders eventually shaped her vision for the InCabin conference.
She also shares why personalization is paramount in the Chinese automotive market, how audio innovations will contribute to future vehicle design, and why having a sense of humor is always a good thing.
Additional items and resources mentioned in this episode with Sara Sargent of Sense Media Group:
InCabin Official Website: https://incabin.com/ 
Download the Free InCabin Report: https://www.sense-media.com/incabin-report 
CES 2025 Report via Sara Sargent for AutoSens and InCabin: https://tinyurl.com/3dke4x3k 
Audio Foundry: https://www.audiofoundry.org/ 
Step Into Power ft. Marley Devergilio of the Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation: https://tinyurl.com/5a4zybej 
Follow AutoVision News Radio on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/49jyrd3b 
AV Radio is a Detroit Deep Media Production: https://detroitdeepmedia.com/

An Interoperable Ecosystem at The Silicon Level ft. Daniel Shwartzberg of Valens Semiconductor

Valens Semiconductor continues to be a key contributor to and champion for the MIPI A-PHY standard, the first such standard in automotive developed for high-speed sensor and display connectivity. MIPI A-PHY is designed to meet next-generation ADAS requirements, enabling high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity to ensure passenger safety throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle.
While global adoption of the standard is ongoing, China in particular has become a pioneering region in terms of A-PHY, being home to vendors of platforms, SoCs, silicon, camera sensors, and IP & development tools, all supplying A-PHY products. The A-PHY ecosystem in China is expanding in response to market demand, especially as Chinese OEMs move at a lightning pace.   
Daniel Shwartzberg, Director of Business Development and System Solutions at Valens Semiconductor, joins AV Radio Host Carl Anthony for a discussion about MIPI A-PHY, its growing presence in China, and how a significant announcement by Mobileye will further propel the A-PHY standard. Recorded during AutoSens and InCabin USA 2025 in Detroit, Daniel also shares how a new Valens diagnostic solution can reduce vehicle repair costs and what he enjoys most about this work.
More Resources:
20x More Noise Resilience: Valens' Connectivity Technology Sets a New EMI Performance Standard via Daniel Shwartzberg: https://tinyurl.com/ymedpznx 
"Isn't This Overkill?" A Head-to-Head EMC Comparison w/ Daniel Shwartzberg at CES: https://tinyurl.com/3wex6u6n 
Built-in Advanced Diagnostics for the Valens VA7000 at Automotive World Japan 2025: https://tinyurl.com/44ymmm7c 
MIPI Alliance Overview: https://www.mipi.org/about-us 
Press releases and announcements cited in this episode in chronological order:
Valens Semiconductor Collaborates with Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Complete EMC Testing of an Interoperable A-PHY Chip System: https://tinyurl.com/4xry2j4r 
Valens Semiconductor Announces Three Automotive Design Wins from Leading European OEMs: https://tinyurl.com/54uvbn69 
Valens Semiconductor Partners with Seven MIPI A-PHY Silicon Vendors, Successfully Completing Product Interoperability Testing to Advance the MIPI A-PHY Ecosystem in China and Globally: https://tinyurl.com/v43fmyw3 
Mobileye Selects Valens Semiconductor's VA7000 MIPI A-PHY Chipsets for Automated and Autonomous Driving Projects: https://tinyurl.com/bp98aauw 
Follow AutoVision News Radio on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/49jyrd3b 
AV Radio is a Detroit Deep Media Production: https://detroitdeepmedia.com/