Vision Zero Automotive Network, Advanced Vehicle Solutions & the Specialty Retailer

The original Vision Zero initiative started in Sweden. Volvo is one of the main proponents of the socially responsible organization. Even though OEM automakers are typically not known for social ethics versus capitalism, the core value of the original Vision Zero is, “Life and health can never be exchanged for other benefits within the society.” There is a new organization based on the principles of Vision Zero called the Vision Zero Automotive Network. It wants to harness the momentum of the original Vision Zero initiative and spearhead it into a campaign for legacy vehicle owners. The organization wants to spread the word that trained retailers can add and upgrade the safety equipment in their rides. With most vehicles in our aging fleets being around 10 years old, it only makes sense to create a program to drive consumer awareness. Ultimately, they can come to our shops to make sure they are getting top-notch safety equipment installed by professional installation techs at a fair price.

The people behind the Vision Zero Automotive Network are Jeff Varick from Brandmotion and Jim Warren, formerly of CarToys. According to Varick, “There are seven ADAS Advance Driver Assistance Systems modern safety technologies that the Boston Consulting Group studied, including 360° vision, blind-spot warning, backup cameras, collision avoidance, night vision, and adaptive headlights. There is only one technology the aftermarket does not do, which is adaptive headlights. People need to know what is possible.” An interesting aside (just in case a customer asks) on adaptive headlights is that it is the one technology not offered on the flagship Nissan GT-R – the reason being that the vehicle can corner faster than the headlight servos can swivel the lights! So, if standard headlights with LED technology is good enough for the GT-R, it makes sense that the aftermarket can live without it. Night vision with pedestrian and animal warning is far superior to adaptive headlights.