OREANDA-NEWS. Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, is pleased to introduce the announcement made by Subaru of America, Inc. that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS; a nonprofit organization supported by auto insurers in the US) has recognized the Subaru Legacy and Outback (EyeSight-equipped 2013 and 2014 models) as the highest possible rating of "superior" in the new test program which rates the performance of front crash prevention systems for the first time. Only the Legacy and Outback received the highest possible score of 6 points in midsize cars and SUVs with a "superior" rating.

The EyeSight was the first system ever to use only stereo camera technology to detect the presence of pedestrians and cyclists. Since its Japanese debut in May 2008, features available on this system have been highly praised; they included pre-collision braking control and all-speed range adaptive cruise control tracking function. In the new IIHS front crash prevention test program, "Pre-Collision Braking Control" function of the EyeSight was highly acclaimed. It stops the vehicle if it detects a risk of frontal collision, thereby avoiding the collision or reducing collision damage.

On this win, Thomas Doll, president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. said, "Our buyers trust us to provide safety in their vehicles. With all of our 2013 models listed as 2013 IIHS Top Safety Picks and now the 2014MY Legacy and Outback models tested to 2013 Top Safety Pick + and front crash prevention status, this is further proof that we deliver on that trust."

IIHS rates models with optional or standard front crash prevention systems as "superior", "advanced" or "basic" depending on whether they offer autonomous braking, or autobrake. In this test, an engineer drives (testing speed: 12 mph and 25 mph) a test vehicle toward a stationary target designed to simulate the back of a car to gauge how autobrake sytems perform. A vehicle must achieve 4 to 5 autobrake points to earn a "superior" rating with a possible additional 1 point for forward collision warning.

FHI aims to offer "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" through the Subaru experience, its brand statement "Confidence in Motion" at the foundation. "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" is not possible without the crucial element of "safety". Subaru will pursue all-around safety by continuing to advance its active, passive and pre-crash safety technologies.