Subaru named only manufacturer with IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKS for all models four years running

All Subaru models have received a 2013 TSP, while Legacy and Outback earn 2013 TSP+ in rigorous new crash test

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. is pleased to announce that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized Subaru as the only automaker earning a 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK award for every model it builds. This is the fourth consecutive year Subaru has earned this distinction. New for 2013, Subaru's Legacy and Outback models (built after Aug. 2012) have also won the brand new TOP SAFETY PICK+ accolade.

To reward 2013 models with superior crash protection, IIHS has newly created the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, which requires good ratings for occupant protection in at least four of five IIHS evaluations, including the new Small Overlap test, with no less than acceptable in any test . IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. While most automakers design their vehicles for good performance in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test and the federal government's full-width frontal test, many haven't addressed the issue of small overlap crashes, which can account for nearly a quarter of all frontal crashes involving serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants. This test replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or a static object like a tree or utility pole. The IIHS will announce additional winners as it continues to test models. Results for small SUVs are expected this spring.

"The Subaru safety story begins right from the inception of every Subaru vehicle," said Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. "We are very pleased that the IIHS has recognized us again as the only manufacturer with 2013 TOP SAFETY PICKS for all models."

TOP SAFETY PICK recognizes vehicles that, in IIHS testing, do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now rollover crashes based on 'good' ratings in each category. The IIHS ranks in terms of Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor, with 'good' as the top rank possible in Institute tests.

"For four consecutive years, Subaru is the only automotive manufacturer with the distinction of earning IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK awards for every model it builds," said Institute president Adrian Lund. "Subaru deserves praise for making safety a top priority."

About IIHS

To qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK, vehicles must have good ratings for occupant protection in the moderate overlap frontal, side impact, rollover and rear tests, regardless of their small overlap rating. IIHS rates vehicles as good, acceptable, marginal or poor based on performance. The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of a 40 mph moderate overlap frontal crash. 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 barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry - the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against one side of a roof at a displacement rate of 0.2 inch per second. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of four times the vehicle's weight before reaching five inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada.

SOURCE: Subaru Canada Inc.

Joe Felstein or Julie Lychak
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