Subaru Named the Only Manufacturer with 2009 IIHS Top Safety Picks

Tokyo, September 1, 2009 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced that Subaru of America, Inc.* released the all-new Legacy and Outback were named 2009 "Top Safety Picks" by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). Together with the other already awarded models: Tribeca, Forester and Impreza, Subaru became the only manufacturer with 2009 IIHS Top Safety Picks for the current model line-up.

IIHS provides to consumers safety information about vehicles with four-level rating system. Its frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The effectiveness of the head restraints is also evaluated in the rear crash protection. In order to receive a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of "Good" in those tests and has to be equipped with electronic stability control (VDC** for Subaru vehicles).

"Building safe vehicles is one of the things our customers have come to know and expect from us," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "To have this endorsement by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for every Subaru vehicle in our line-up is a tribute to our engineers and reinforce to consumers that we focus not only on manufacturing fun-to-drive vehicles, but also vehicles that are durable and dependable."

The new Legacy and Outback were already awarded a top 5-star rating for occupant safety in the latest round of crashworthiness testing by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). In addition, Subaru proved the top-level-safety globally by achieving a top 5-star rating with the new Legacy in European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). Subaru will further enhance its renowned excellent safety performance by polishing distinctive technologies and continue providing confidence and peace of mind to our customers.

*Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles in the United States.
**Vehicle Dynamics Control

About Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, is a leading manufacturer in Japan with a long history of technological innovations that dates back to its origin as an aircraft company. While the automotive business is a main business pillar, FHI's Aerospace, Industrial Products and Eco Technologies divisions offer a diverse range of products from general-purpose engines, power generators, and sanitation trucks to small airplanes, crucial components for passenger aircrafts, and wind-powered electricity generating systems. Recognized internationally for its AWD (all-wheel drive) technology and Horizontally-Opposed engines in Subaru, FHI is also spearheading the development of environmentally friendly products and is committed to contributing to global environmental preservation.