Southfield, Michigan, October 24, 2018 - Vision Zero is bringing together competing suppliers and retailers across the country to raise awareness for advanced driver safety products. The program, founded by Jeff Varick, CEO of Brandmotion – a leading supplier of automotive aftermarket safety and convenience products- is in its inaugural year and quickly gaining traction among all sectors of the mobile electronics community.

Vision Zero operates programs in cities all over the country and in Europe, creating initiatives to lower traffic deaths. Under their direction, cities are passing strict anti-texting laws, lowering speed limits and designing safer intersections. The Vision Zero Automotive Network (VZAN) programs are the 12-volt aftermarket’s contribution to this life saving movement, promoting the installation of advanced driver safety products in the 250 million cars already on the road.

A 2015 study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found that 10,000 of the approximate 35,000 traffic deaths a year could be prevented if every car on the road had the same safety technology that is available in today’s new cars. They identified seven Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety technologies including 360 vision, blind spot warning, backup cameras, collision avoidance, night vision, and adaptive headlights (only the latter is not available from 12-volt shops).

“It’s a great cause and a fabulous opportunity,” said Sapienza, noting that six of the seven safety technologies identified by BCG are offered in the aftermarket. “The reality is that public awareness is not very high. Most people simply don’t know that they can add these technologies to their existing cars. With industry unity and cooperation, we can create awareness, drive traffic to retailers and really accelerate this category. This would help the entire 12-volt aftermarket, and most importantly, it would help save lives.”

Sapienza will focus primarily on soliciting financial contributions for Vision Zero Automotive which is a non-profit organization. Says Sapienza, “Jim did a great job getting the program off the ground and we already have a good amount of support for the initiative. The opportunity to broaden the scope of the program and get deeper involvement is very real.” Sapienza is tapping manufacturers and leading retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, Crutchfield, Car Toys, Tint World, and many others for their participation and support.

Vision Zero Automotive will operate a new web site that includes a retail locator so that consumers can quickly find a nearby 12-Volt aftermarket retailer. Eventually, Sapienza hopes to see a Vision Zero Automotive logo on many car safety products offered by the aftermarket.

Said Sapienza, “What ultimately will be in it for retailers and manufacturers will be heightened public awareness of the category, increased foot traffic, and the satisfaction of knowing they are all involved in saving lives.”

Former Executive Director Warren, who is now the Executive Director of the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA), added, “Bernie is a great choice for Vision Zero. His experience, passion and intimate knowledge of both mobile electronics manufacturers and retailers will speed the growth of this important initiative.”

Dealers wishing to participate can contact Sapienza at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

June 10, 2021 -- The MECP program has debuted the Vision Zero Automotive Network Certification course and exam in its online learning platform, and it is ready for access now.

“With the help of our very generous supporting vendor community, we’re thrilled to be able to bring this much-needed certification program to the industry,” said Bernie Sapienza, Executive Director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “This level of specialization can help create a deeper level of consumer confidence within our channel and strengthen our message as an industry. Emerging ADAS is clearly an opportunity for our industry, and additional training will clearly be a benefit.”

“The OEM and aftermarket ADAS categories have grown tremendously in recent years, and this content has been developed to focus on the sales, application, and installation of these types of products,” says Kris Bulla, MECP President.

The new certification is subscription-based, and access to the course and exam lasts for one year. If you are a currently certified MECP technician or specialist, or if you work for a store that is part of the Vision Zero Automotive Network, you can access the new course for a discounted price. The new course is open to anyone, regardless of their current certification or network status. Once the course has been completed and the online exam has been passed, a unique Vision Zero Automotive Network Certification certificate will be issued for display, and the credentials can be accessed, viewed, and displayed from the MECP online Portable ID profile.

“The MECP program has been around for over 30 years,” continued Sapienza. They are the undisputed premier certification entity in our industry. Their recent transition to an all-digital platform was clearly created at the right moment for VZAN to partner with them.”

To find out more about the Vision Zero Automotive Network or obtain your network member discount coupon code, contact Bernie Sapienza at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To get access to MECP courses, visit www.mecp.com, and click Get Certified. For assistance with your certification or get an MECP certified discount coupon code, contact the MECP Admin team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

North Andover, MA – September 17 , 2020 – Mobile Electronics Magazine features great information for Selling Vehicle Safety Systems for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) brought to you from the Vision Zero Automotive Network.

Words by Dave MacKinnon

SOUTHFIELD, MICH., June 8, 2021– The MECP program has debuted the Vision Zero Automotive Network Certification course and exam in its online learning platform, and it is ready for access now. “With the help of our very generous supporting vendor and retail community, we’re thrilled to be able to bring this much needed certification program to the industry,” said Bernie Sapienza, Executive Director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “This level of specialization can help create a deeper level of consumer confidence within our channel and strengthen our message as an industry. Emerging ADAS is clearly an opportunity for our industry and additional training will clearly be a benefit.”

“The OEM and aftermarket ADAS categories have grown tremendously in recent years, and this content has been developed to focus on the sales, application, and installation of these types of products,” said Kris Bulla, MECP President.

The new certification is subscription-based, and access to the course and exam lasts for one year. If you are a currently certified MECP technician or specialist, or if you work for a store that is part of the Vision Zero Automotive Network, you can access the new course for a discounted price. The course is open to anyone, regardless of current certification or network status. Once the course has been completed and the online exam has been passed, a unique Vision Zero Automotive Network Certification certificate will be issued for display, and your credentials can be accessed, viewed, and displayed from your standard MECP online Portable ID profile.

“The MECP program has been around for over 30 years,” Sapienza said. They are the undisputed premier certification entity in our industry. Their recent transition to an all-digital platform was clearly created the right moment for VZAN to partner with them.”

To find out more about the Vision Zero Automotive Network or to obtain your network member discount coupon code, contact Bernie Sapienza at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For assistance with your certification, or to obtain an MECP certified discount coupon code, contact the MECP Admin team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.." style="color: #000000;">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Vision Zero Automotive Netwwork is accepting applications for their nationwide dealer locator. Retailers that feel they meet the requirements can fill out the Store Submission Form.

For more information on the Vision Zero Automotive network, please contact Bernie Sapienza, executive director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit our website at www.visionzero.us.

Vision Zero Automotive Network” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity dedicated to educating and encouraging the saving of lives through the addition of life-saving technologies. Our mission, simply stated, is to save lives. Using several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and technologies developed for the automotive aftermarket, we have the power to make an impact now. We want to use that power to every driver’s advantage. Not in ten years. Not next year. Not next week. Not tomorrow. Today, right this minute, the aftermarket consumer electronics industry have the products and the technology that can help drivers avoid deadly accidents. Our mission is to get those products into cars and trucks that already exist, now. And once we do, we can help avoid 10,000 deaths on U.S. roads.

Car Toys, Restylers United are first approved stores listed

SOUTHFIELD, MICH., July 1, 2019 (MEDIAWIRE) – The Vision Zero Automotive Network announced that it has launched a Preferred Retailer locator at its new website, visionzero.us. Seattle, Wash.-based Car Toys chain is one of two organizations first approved to populate the locator, adding 48 stores throughout Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Texas. The other is Restylers United, a 15-location organization comprising individual chains and stores specializing in automotive aftermarket enhancement. The locator is the first step in helping consumers find quality retailers that specialize in the latest vehicle safety technology for the aftermarket.

“We are honored to be a Vision Zero Automotive Network partner and a Preferred Retailer,” said Greg Parsonson, president of Car Toys. “Our goals to make driving safer are perfectly aligned. We are very excited by the promise of the newest driver safety technologies to make driving safer than ever before, and the process must begin with awareness and education. Eliminating distracted driving fatalities is not just a goal, but should be THE goal for our industry.”

The Vision Zero Automotive Network launched its new website at visionzero.us in April 2019 with a focus on educating visitors, introducing aftermarket safety technologies and enlisting safety product manufacturers and suppliers to participate. The new Preferred Retailer locator lets visitors search for qualified retail centers by distance from their location as well as proximity to an entered address. Visitors can further refine the list based on six categories and more than 30 product types and services offered.

“Restylers United is excited to be a part of the Vision Zero Automotive Network,” said Jared Cohen, Restylers United member and president of Auto Action in Kenilworth, N.J. “Our experience in both the retail and wholesale markets allows us to understand and fulfill the complexities associated with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology. We welcome this additional opportunity to educate customers and provide the highest level of sales and support for this important segment.”

The Vision Zero Automotive Network has also finalized its qualifications for other retail locations to join and have their location listed as a Preferred Retailer. In order to be listed, retailers must meet three main requirements:

• The ability to offer complete sales and service of safety products. Preferred Retailers have sales and service facilities, along with the required specialty tools to ensure the job is done right.
• A complete understanding of safety products available for vehicles, and the ability to explain them in non-industry speak. Preferred Retailers continually evaluate aftermarket safety products to ensure they deliver the same quality performance as factory-installed versions.
• Ongoing education. Preferred Retailers must attend industry recognized training on an annual basis to stay up-to-date on the latest products, vehicle specifics and installation practices.

Retailers that feel they meet the requirements can fill out the Preferred Retailer application at mwi.re/PR-App, or go to visionzero.us and click “Become a Preferred Retailer” under the About Us heading.

“We want to thank Car Toys and Restylers United for being the first retailers to join us on this mission,” said Bernie Sapienza, executive director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “Our objective is to educate consumers on the severity of traffic-related accidents and fatalities and then show how we can eliminate them through technology that is readily available for vehicles they already own. Adding the Preferred Retailer locator gives us the final piece to guide engaged consumers to dedicated retailers that can upgrade their vehicles with life-saving enhancements.

For more information on the Vision Zero Automotive network, please contact Bernie Sapienza, executive director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit the website at www.visionzero.us.

“Vision Zero Automotive Network” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity dedicated to educating and encouraging the saving of lives through the addition of life-saving technologies. Our mission, simply stated, is to save lives. Using several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and technologies developed for the automotive aftermarket, we have the power to make an impact now. We want to use that power to every driver’s advantage. Not in ten years. Not next year. Not next week. Not tomorrow. Today, right this minute, the aftermarket consumer electronics industry have the products and the technology that can help drivers avoid deadly accidents. Our mission is to get those products into cars and trucks that already exist, now. And once we do, we can help avoid 10,000 deaths on U.S. roads.

Focus on empowering suppliers, retailers to produce innovative solutions for existing drivers

SOUTHFIELD, MICH., April 11, 2019 (MEDIAWIRE) – As National Distracted Driving Awareness Month begins, the Vision Zero Automotive Network (VZAN) today announced its 2019 / 2020 initiatives toward zero traffic-related deaths by 2045. In addition, the network has unveiled a newly repurposed website at VisionZero.US to serve as the online hub for the non-profit organization. Bernie Sapienza, recently appointed executive director, made the announcement after the network’s eight executive and advisory board members approved the six areas that would be the focus over the next two years.

In existence since 2017, the Vision Zero Automotive Network serves to implement the worldwide Vision Zero philosophy among automotive aftermarket manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and technicians. These entities are direct consumer touch points for enhancing their existing vehicles to become safer on the road.

The 2019 / 2020 Initiatives for the Vision Zero Automotive Network are:

• Form strong partnerships with product developers and suppliers to promote continual innovation of life-saving aftermarket products

• Empower product developers and retailers to promote Vision Zero Automotive Network initiatives through their customer channels

• Establish and distribute standards to which retailers will adhere in order to ensure a cohesive approach toward the installation and functionality of safety products

• Create connections between consumers and approved retailers to successfully fulfill safety enhancements on existing vehicles

• Speak directly to consumers through social media campaigns to build awareness, promote our objectives and influence safe driving practices and road awareness

• Develop and distribute content that highlights new products and innovation that directly impacts driver and passenger safety on the road

The initiatives will be implemented by raising funds through donations, grants and paid partnerships, made possible through the network’s strong ties to the automotive aftermarket community, including the companies and brands that are represented on the network’s board.

“We recognize, like the cities, municipalities and other entities that have adopted Vision Zero, that a key component of success will be to build awareness at every level,” said Jeff Varick, founder of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “Our purpose over the next two years is to educate and empower our supplier and retail partners to make Vision Zero part of their own stories. We want them to infuse the values of Vision Zero into their products and practices so that they become organic ambassadors in their interactions with customers.”

The newly designed website, VisionZero.US, speaks to suppliers, retailers and consumers that embrace the urgency of preventing driving-related fatalities by adding life-saving technology to vehicles already on the road. It describes the larger Vision Zero philosophy and the specific implementation by the Vision Zero Automotive Network. It also identifies and explains key safety product categories and the direct benefit of enhancing a vehicle with products from each.

As the website is enhanced, it will include a directory of approved retail and installation facilities where customers can learn about available safety products and have them professionally installed on their vehicles. In addition, visitors can sign up to receive a newsletter to stay informed on news within the Vision Zero community as well as new safety-enhancing products and technologies. The Vision Zero Automotive Network will also create and distribute beneficial audio and video content through the website, its newsletter and social media channels.

For more information on the Visio Zero Automotive network, please contact Bernie Sapienza, executive director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit the website at www.visionzero.us.

“Vision Zero Automotive Network” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity dedicated to educating and encouraging the saving of lives through the addition of life-saving technologies. Our mission, simply stated, is to save lives. Using several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and technologies developed for the automotive aftermarket, we have the power to make an impact now. We want to use that power to every driver’s advantage. Not in ten years. Not next year. Not next week. Not tomorrow. Today, right this minute, the aftermarket consumer electronics industry have the products and the technology that can help drivers avoid deadly accidents. Our mission is to get those products into cars and trucks that already exist, now. And once we do, we can help avoid 10,000 deaths on U.S. roads.

Store chain added to Preferred Retailer Plus locator to help consumers find qualified vehicle safety experts to add technology to their vehicle.

SOUTHFIELD, MICH., April 7, 2020 – The Vision Zero Automotive Network announced that Austin, Texas based Custom Sounds & Tint has pledged its support for the network’s mission to help eliminate traffic-related fatalities by the year 2036. As part of its partnership, Custom Sounds & Tint will add its 20 retail store locations to the growing list currently populating the recently launched dealer locator. The retail partnership, and Preferred Plus Retailer status, represent a significant step in helping consumers find high-quality mobile electronics retailers that specialize in the latest available vehicle safety technology for the aftermarket.

The Vision Zero Automotive Network launched its new website at visionzero.us in April 2019 with a focus on educating visitors, introducing aftermarket safety technologies, and enlisting safety product manufacturers and suppliers to participate. The new Preferred Retailer locator lets visitors search for qualified retail centers by distance from their location as well as proximity to an entered address. Visitors can further refine the list based on six categories and more than 30 product types and services offered.

“Custom Sounds & Tint has always been committed to creating better and safer driving experiences for our customers,” said Mike Cofield, CEO of Custom Sounds & Tint. “Our employees train to understand and embrace the latest aftermarket products so they can confidently educate customers on the best options for their vehicle. It is an honor to be considered a “Preferred Plus Retailer” by the Vision Zero Automotive Network and look forward to doing our part to make vehicles safer and the overall driving experience better.”

The Vision Zero Automotive Network has also finalized its qualifications for others to join and have their retail location listed as a Preferred Retailer or a Preferred Plus Retailer. To be listed, retailers must meet specific criteria to become part of the network. Retailers that feel they meet the requirements can fill out the Store Submission Form.

“We want to thank Custom Sounds & Tint for joining us in this important cause,” said Bernie Sapienza, executive director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “Our objective is to educate consumers on the severity of traffic-related accidents and fatalities and then show how we can eliminate them through technology that is readily available for the vehicles they already own. Custom Sounds & Tint has been a highly respected aftermarket 12V retailer for more than 30 years, and we’re thrilled that they are supporting our mission.”For more information on the Vision Zero Automotive network, please contact Bernie Sapienza, executive director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit the website at www.visionzero.us.

Vision Zero Automotive Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity dedicated to educating and encouraging the saving of lives through the addition of life-saving technologies. Our mission, simply stated, is to save lives. Using several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and technologies developed for the automotive aftermarket, we have the power to make an impact now. We want to use that power to every driver’s advantage. Not in ten years, not next year, not next week, not tomorrow – RIGHT NOW! Today, right this minute, the aftermarket consumer electronics industry has the products and the technology that can help drivers avoid deadly accidents. Our mission is to get those products into cars and trucks that already exist, now. Once we do, we can help avoid 10,000 deaths on U.S. roads.

Novi, MICH., March 31, 2022 – Vision Zero Automotive Network is pleased to announce that Itasca, Ilinois based Lucas Lighting has pledged its support to the network’s mission to eliminate traffic-related fatalities by 2036. Lucas Lighting will partner with VZAN to launch several new marketing and marketing related initiatives. The addition of Lucas Lighting to the cause will add great energy for the safety initiative. The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) has comprehensively tested vehicle headlights and found that only 8% of new cars had “good or better” capabilities.

“Lucas Lighting represents all that is great about our industry… and our country for that matter. A truly remarkable entrepreneurial venture that was founded by Mike Hong based on personal experiences turned success story” said Bernie Sapienza, Executive Director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “I’ve been lucky enough to know a few people personally (Noel Lee comes to mind) that have literally invented a category for our industry and I’m thrilled to have Mike and his team on board. Lighting is clearly an opportunity for our industry and additional training will clearly be a benefit.”

Steve Rogers, Vice President of Sales added, “We are honored and thrilled to be the first stand alone lighting member of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. Improving the visual safety of vehicles has been a top priority of our designs from the beginning. On average, most headlight systems only allow a driver to stop once they have seen an object or danger in the road at speeds up to 45 mph, resulting in vehicle crashes. The IIHS (Insurance Institue for Highway Safety) estimates that 30-35% of these incidents could be avoided with better headlights. Properly designed upgrades will extend driver vision without causing unwanted glare to others. Fortunately, our technology is compatible with millions of vehicles currently in use.”

Sapienze added, “We want to thank Lucas Lighting for joining us on this important cause. Our objective is to educate consumers on the severity of traffic-related accidents and fatalities and then show how we can eliminate them through technology that is readily available for vehicles they already own. Lucas Lighting is a leader in aftermarket lighting and highly regarded by their dealers. We’re thrilled that they are supporting our mission.”

About Lucas Lighting: Founded in 2017, Lucas Lighting has grown rapidly with over three hundred storefronts in the United States and available to dealers through all Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) member warehouses.

About Vision Zero Automotive Alliance (VZAN): Founded in 2017 by Jeff Varick, VZAN has grown rapidly and is supported broadly by the 12 volt industry whose supporters include VOXX International, Metra Electronics, EDA, Car Toys (Seattle), Crtuchfield, Pioneer Electronics and more.

To find out more about the Vision Zero Automotive Network or to obtain your network member discount coupon code, contact Bernie Sapienza at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For assistance with your certification, or to obtain an MECP certified discount coupon code, contact the MECP Admin team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Vision Zero Automotive Netwwork is accepting applications for their nationwide dealer locator. Retailers that feel they meet the requirements can fill out the Store Submission Form.

For more information on the Vision Zero Automotive network, please contact Bernie Sapienza, executive director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit our website at www.visionzero.us.

About the Vision Zero Automotive Network

“Vision Zero Automotive Network” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity dedicated to educating and encouraging the saving of lives through the addition of life-saving technologies. Our mission, simply stated, is to save lives. Using several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and technologies developed for the automotive aftermarket, we have the power to make an impact now. We want to use that power to every driver’s advantage. Not in ten years. Not next year. Not next week. Not tomorrow. Today, right this minute, the aftermarket consumer electronics industry have the products and the technology that can help drivers avoid deadly accidents. Our mission is to get those products into cars and trucks that already exist, now. And once we do, we can help avoid 10,000 deaths on U.S. roads.

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Website code can be quickly generated to integrate a Vision Zero page into any existing website.

SOUTHFIELD, MICH., June 29, 2020 – The Vision Zero Automotive Network announced that it has launched a new tool for its Vision Zero Automotive Network retailers to be able to quickly add a Vision Zero page to their existing website, with no coding expertise needed. It provides a step-by-step tutorial on creating the code, and how to place it on any existing website. This provides an easy way for retailers to show their customers that they are part of the Preferred Retailer network, and to highlight the types of aftermarket driving safety products they can sell and integrate into their vehicle.

The Vision Zero Automotive Network launched its new website at vzan.org in April 2019 with a focus on educating visitors, introducing aftermarket safety technologies, and enlisting safety product manufacturers and suppliers to participate. Visitors can search for qualified retail centers by distance from their location as well as proximity to an entered address. Visitors can further refine the list based on six safety categories and more than 30 product types and services offered. To be listed, retailers must meet specific criteria to become part of the network. Retailers that feel they meet the requirements can fill out the Store Submission Form.

“Our partnership with 1sixty8 media gives us a powerful resource to create and maintain tools like this that benefit our retailer and manufacturer partners,” stated Bernie Sapienza, executive director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “Being part of our Preferred Retailer network is important, and now every visitor to your website can see the safety product categories you offer, learn about them, and understand why they are important for saving lives.”

“Our team at 1sixty8 is committed to bring our partners lightweight, efficient solutions that provide tremendous value and benefit to their business.” said Mitch Schaffer, founder of 1sixty8 media. “The mission of Vision Zero is critical to the aftermarket safety categories in the industry, and we are here to help facilitate their retailer and manufacturer support by leveraging our content and technical expertise.”

For more information on the Vision Zero Automotive network, please contact Bernie Sapienza, executive director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit the website at www.vzan.org. For more information about 1sixty8 media, contact Mitch Schaffer, founder, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website at www.1sixty8.com.

Vision Zero Automotive Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity dedicated to educating and encouraging the saving of lives through the addition of life-saving technologies. Our mission, simply stated, is to save lives. Using several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and technologies developed for the automotive aftermarket, we have the power to make an impact now. We want to use that power to every driver’s advantage. Not in ten years, not next year, not next week, not tomorrow – RIGHT NOW! Today, right this minute, the aftermarket consumer electronics industry has the products and the technology that can help drivers avoid deadly accidents. Our mission is to get those products into cars and trucks that already exist, now. Once we do, we can help avoid 10,000 deaths on U.S. roads.