Subaru Achieves Global Sales of 5 Million EyeSight-equipped Vehicles

SUBARU CORPORATION - Subaru Corporation announced that cumulative global sales of Subaru vehicles equipped with its EyeSight driver assist system surpassed five million units in June this year. The milestone was accomplished after 14 years and one month since the system was first introduced in Japan in May 2008.

EyeSight achieved a world first in using solely stereo camera technology to provide driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking that detects not only cars, but also pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in the vehicle’s path. EyeSight-equipped models currently account for 91%*1 of Subaru’s global sales.

With the superior recognition capabilities of its stereo camera technology, EyeSight has constantly been awarded top ratings by independent agencies around the world and has contributed to strengthening Subaru’s preventive safety performance over the years.

A study by Subaru based on data from Japan’s Institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis (ITARDA) has revealed the accident rate of EyeSight-equipped vehicles is as low as 0.06% in Japan*2 while a study conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found the system reduces rear-end crashes with injuries by up to 85% in the U.S.*3

For over 30 years since launching vehicle-mounted stereo camera development in 1989, Subaru has continually enhanced its stereo camera technology, the core component of EyeSight.

The latest generation EyeSight comes equipped with a redesigned stereo camera that features a much wider viewing angle, and combined with improved image recognition and processing software, it offers enhanced driver assist functions in a wider range of situations.

Subaru also introduced the EyeSight X advanced driver assist system in Japan. Featuring the new stereo camera combined with four radars located in front and rear bumpers, a newly-developed high-definition map and vehicle locator, and other advanced technologies, EyeSight X offers extended functions such as lane change assist, speed control before entering a curve, and hands-off driving assist in traffic congestion, ensuring a safer and more comfortable driving experience on Japanese highways.

In 2020, Subaru opened Subaru Lab, an AI development base, in Tokyo’s Shibuya area, where it is conducting research and development to integrate AI judgment capabilities into the stereo camera technology of EyeSight, with the goal of further enhancing vehicle safety.

Subaru will continue to refine primary, active, preventive, passive, and connected safety technologies that underpin its All-Around Safety philosophy, in order to provide “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” to its customers around the world.

*1 Based on 2021 global sales. Excludes OEM-supplied vehicles.

*2 Calculated by Subaru based on the number of Subaru vehicles equipped with EyeSight(ver.3) sold from 2014 through 2018 (456,944 units) and ITARDA data (259 rear-end crashes).

*3 Based on IIHS reporting data as of January 2017 from MY2013-2015 Subaru models equipped with EyeSight through 2014 in the U.S.

Donation to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and neighboring countries

SUBARU CORPORATION - Subaru Corporation is deeply concerned for the safety of people whose lives have been upended by the situation in Ukraine.

Subaru is donating one million euros to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, as humanitarian aid to support the lives of the people of Ukraine and those facing dire circumstances due to the crisis. This donation will be used to support relief activities in Ukraine and neighboring countries.

Subaru sincerely hopes for a swift end to the crisis and a return to peace as soon as possible for people in Ukraine and around the world.

Rare Subaru Impreza STI22B up for auction

1998 Subaru Impreza STI 22B

COLLECTING CARS - A rare Subaru Impreza STI 22B in original and unmodified condition is currently up for auction online.

The highly collectible limited-edition rally-derived modern classic, which commemorated the marque’s 40th anniversary, is currently live through online auction platform Collecting Cars.

The 22B is easily distinguished from other Subaru Impreza models of the era by its wide body which took inspiration from the Peter Stevens designed WRC car. The wider body increased the overall width of the car by a substantial 80mm. 

With just 29,772km on the odometer, the car has been in its current owner’s possession for 15 years, during which time it has covered a mere 2,100km.

Powered by a 2.2-litre ‘EJ22G’ four-cylinder boxer engine, sending around 276bhp to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, the car is also equipped with an electronically adjustable centre differential allowing the driver to control the level of locking of the mechanical rear limited-slip differential.

This coveted 22B left the factory wearing the iconic Subaru hue of Sonic Blue, with black and blue fabric-trimmed seats accented with red stitching. It rides on its period-correct 17-inch BBS forged aluminium wheels finished in gold and is accompanied by its original handbooks, 22B brochures and literature. The cherished ‘FHI 22B’ plate is also included in the sale.

Edward Lovett, founder of Collecting Cars, said:

“This Subaru Impreza WRX STI 22B presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the all-time great rally-bred special editions. An original low-mileage example, it is bound to appeal to even the most discerning of collectors. High-value vehicles like this highlight a key benefit of Collecting Cars compared to costly traditional auctions, as the buyer’s premium will be less than 3%.”

To find out more information on this lot, visit Collecting Cars.

Compared to traditional car auctions, Collecting Cars offers significantly better value for sellers and buyers alike. For sellers, the detailed photographic presentation and professional descriptions mean their car is showcased in the best possible way, and is marketed to a huge captive audience of passionate enthusiasts. Furthermore, there is no listing fee, and they receive 100% of the hammer price.

For buyers, the premium on auction lots is levied at just 5% + VAT – substantially lower than traditional auction houses, which typically charge 12% or more – and is capped at £6,000. On hammer prices above £100,000 this means that the buyer’s premium is even less than 6%.