Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. (FHI), a global manufacturer of transportation and aerospace-related products and the maker of Subaru automobiles, today introduces a new generation of the already popular Robin EY15 and EY20 air-cooled, side-valve, 4-cycle gasoline engines. At the same time, the company announces the introduction of its newly developed Robin EX engine series, which comprises four air-cooled models of 4-cycle, OHC gasoline engines for the use in small construction equipment, portable generators, compressors, or light agricultural and industrial machinery.

Reaching total sales of 11.5 million units since its introduction, the EY series has enjoyed acclaim for durability and reliability inside and outside Japan. Through the adoption of thin-type recoils and low-noise mufflers for improved performance, FHI has significantly upgraded the two most popular EY models, the 3.5-hp EY15 and the 5.0-hp EY20, which have combined unit sales of more than 6 million since December 1980.

The use of the thin-type recoil starter for the two new EY models, which allows a 15 mm shorter engine length compared with previous EY15 and 20 models, not only helps improve engine starting and coolant effects, but it also facilitates the mounting of the engine onto machinery. Exterior engine designs have also been updated, as have engine body colors and labels, and all these improvements have been accomplished in a new-generation EY15 and 20 models that already surpasses Japan's 2003 emission standards, as well as U.S. EPA Phase I emission standards and the soon-to-be-introduced European emission standards.

The newly developed Robin EX models have adopted a chain-driven OHC mechanism to further improve on the Robin series' strengths of durability and reliability. While the majority of the Robin engine series (except for new EY and EH models) use horizontal-shaft engines with vertical cylinders, Robin EX models feature a tilted cylinder. The lighter weight and compact configuration that is made possible by the tilted, rather than vertical, cylinder layout facilitate the mounting of the engine to machinery.

The new, low-vibration Robin EX models are not only easy to use, but they are also quiet. Through the optimization of the air and fuel intake components, the EX achieves noise levels more than 2 dB�� lower than earlier 4-cycle engines models. FHI has also improved EX engine start-up performance by modifying the decompressing mechanism to adjust pressure inside the cylinder. Along with FHI's recent launch of an air-cooled, tilted-cylinder diesel engine in March of this year, this addition of EX engines with tilted cylinders demonstrates the company's commitment to meet the diversified needs of machinery clients and equipment manufacturers in a global marketplace.

The entire, 4.3- to 9.0-hp Robin EX series also addresses environmental concerns. All four EX engine models meet the stringent U.S. EPA Phase II emission standards. This goal was principally met through the adoption of a single-camshaft, OHC-valve layout that comprises highly efficient intake ports and a pent-roof type combustion chamber, which simultaneously enables higher output and reduces the emission of harmful substances. Fuel economy has been greatly improved as well by the OHC mechanism and optimal cooling balance. The exceptional fuel economy of the EX series contributes to lower engine maintenance costs as well as an overall reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

FHI plans to begin shipping the new EY15-3D model and EY20-3D model in June, and the new EX series will be available for shipment toward the end of this year.

��NOTE: 2 dB (decibel) or more is the average level recorded in a 5-cubic-meter space.