Subaru Legacy Achieves Best 5-Star Rating in JNCAP Safety Test

-- Also granted greatest rating for newly adopted "pedestrian legs protection" assessment --

Tokyo, November 29, 2011 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced that its LEGACY was achieved the top possible rating in Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP) 2011. Conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and NASVA*, JNCAP assesses and compares the safety performance of commercially available vehicles. Subaru LEGACY attained the highest possible level in the newly adopted test evaluating "pedestrian legs protection" in collisions. That, combined with LEGACY's accomplishments in the overall collision safety rating in 2009, has resulted in the finest 5-star rating for the new overall safety performance rating.

* National Agency for Automotive Safety & Victim's Aid

NASVA holds new car assessments on selected cars every fiscal year and tests various factors of their performance in collision safety such as "full-wrap frontal collision" and "pedestrian head protection". Its aim is to encourage the use of safe automobiles by increasing the users' awareness in automobile safety and to promote the development of safer cars by manufacturers.

In 2009, LEGACY received best ratings for overall collision safety performance in driver's and front passenger's seats, as well as "pedestrian head protection", and "front passenger neck injury protection for rear-end collisions". It also reached level 4 in the "rear seat passengers' protection test in offset frontal collisions". These contributed to the LEGACY winning the JNCAP Grand Prix '09/'10. As for other Subarus, the IMPREZA won JNCAP Grand Prix '07/'08, and FORESTER and EXIGA were awarded with the title "Excellent Car" in fiscal 2008.

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.


Active safety: safety enhanced by driveability and risk-avoidance technologies
Passive safety: safety enhanced by collision safety systems
Pre-crash safety: safety enhanced by advanced driving assist technologies such as warning alerts and autonomous emergency braking


<LEGACY Main Evaluation Results>  
Full-wrap frontal collision test: Driver's seat - Level 5 (highest rating)/Passenger's seat - Level 5 (highest rating)
Offset frontal collision test: Driver's seat - Level 5 (highest rating)/Rear seat - Level 4
Side collision test: Driver's seat - Level 5 (highest rating)
Neck injury protection for rear-end collision performance test:
  Driver's seat - Level 4 (highest rating)/Passenger's seat - Level 4 (highest rating)
Pedestrian head protection performance tests:
  Level 5 (highest rating)
Pedestrian legs protection performance tests:
  Level 4 (highest rating)


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.