Subaru Eyesight Wins Award

SYDNEY – Apr 17, 2012: Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system has won a prestigious Japanese government science and technology award.

The five Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) engineers who developed EyeSight received the prize for Science and Technology 2012, Development Category, from Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

The awards honour those who have made noteworthy contributions either to the research and development of science and technology, or to its public understanding.

It is the first time FHI has won the award.

The FHI representatives recognised in the award all work in the Third Vehicle Research and Experiment Department, Subaru Engineering Division.

They are: Eiji Shibata, Deputy General Manager; Hiroyuki Sekiguchi, Senior Engineer; Tasuku Maruyama, Senior Engineer; Shinya Kudo, Senior Engineer and Hiroki Kato, Engineer.

EyeSight uses stereo camera technology to provide driver assistance in a variety of conditions.

The features include Pre-Collision Braking that can stop the vehicle if it detects the risk of frontal collision.

FHI successfully developed EyeSight to use one sensor which not only controls the driving support system but also measures the distance, the speed difference and the relative positions between the front of the vehicle and another car.

Since its introduction in Japan, this user-friendly system has been highly praised for a good balance between its affordable pricing and excellent utility.

Sales of EyeSight models in Japan have accounted for more than 80 per cent of the total of some Subaru model ranges.

In Australia, EyeSight is a standard feature in Model Year 2012 Liberty 3.6R Premium and Outback 3.6R Premium.

Eyesight Background
EyeSight uses minute stereo cameras located in a single compact unit near the rear-view mirror, to recognize a variety of potential road hazards and alert the driver.

EyeSightTM is a driver assistance system combining active, passive and preventative safety technologies.

The system underlines Subaru’s long-term safety commitment, which includes independent five-star ratings for occupant safety across its entire range, from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

EyeSightTM has been extensively tested locally for the last 12 months by engineers from both Subaru Australia and Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru vehicles.

The system includes seven key functions:

Pre-Collision Braking – applies the brakes when a vehicle ahead is detected slowing or stopping suddenly (and the driver has failed to apply the brakes).

Pre-Collision Brake Assist – if the system determines that a collision is highly likely and the driver applies the brakes, the system can generate 1G maximum deceleration to help reduce impact or damage.

Pre-Collision Throttle Management – if a driver accidentally applies full throttle close to a barrier or large object situated in front of the car (such as a car park wall or vehicle immediately ahead at close range), EyeSightTM inhibits the throttle opening, helping minimize or potentially avoid impact. This will also assist in helping to reduce impacts in situations when ‘Drive’ is accidentally selected instead of ‘Reverse.’

Adaptive Cruise Control – is designed to maintain a safe distance from the ‘target’ car in front irrespective of the varying speed of that vehicle.

Lane Departure Warning - alerts the driver if the system determines that the car is drifting across clearly marked lanes.

Vehicle Sway Warning - alerts the driver if the car starts to sway from one side of the road to another, which may occur with fatigue.

Lead Vehicle Start Alert - when the EyeSightTM-equipped vehicle is stopped and the vehicle in front starts to move, the driver receives an audible reminder and information display indicator notifying them that the vehicle in front has moved.

EyeSightTM is designed to actively assist drivers in avoiding frontal collisions, lane drifting and low speed impacts.

It can ‘lock on’ to vehicles directly in front and, when used together with adaptive cruise control, can slow, stop and accelerate to maintain a safe distance.

EyeSightTM can also recognize pedestrians, motorcycles and cyclists within its field of vision.

Depending on conditions, EyeSightTM can use pre-crash braking helping to minimize any impact and damage. If the speed is less than 30 km/h, the car may be brought to a complete stop prior to impact.

MY12 EyeSight-equipped vehicle Manufacturer’s List Pricing
Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorized Subaru dealer.

Outback 3.6R Premium automatic $57,490

Liberty 3.6R Premium auto sedan $53,490