Eyesight Improves 20 Per Cent with Allianz

SYDNEY – May 21, 2012: The benefits of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system have been acknowledged with a 20 per cent premium reduction on Comprehensive Motor Insurance by Allianz Australia.

The reduction applies to both Allianz and Subaru Insurance-branded policies, for which Allianz is a long-term partner of Subaru Australia.

Two Subaru models are equipped with EyeSight - the Outback 3.6R Premium and Liberty 3.6R Premium.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “We’re delighted that the benefits of EyeSight have been clearly recognised by Allianz.

“Depending upon the circumstances, EyeSight may prevent collisions or reduce the severity of impacts, potentially lessening repair costs.

“EyeSight was recently recognized in Japan with a Government award for science and technology - independent recognition that it is a genuinely worthy piece of technology.”

Eyesight Background
Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system is now a standard feature on Model Year 2012 Liberty 3.6R Premium and Outback 3.6R Premium.

EyeSight uses minute stereo cameras located in a single compact unit near the rear-view mirror, to recognise 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.

EyeSight 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.