SUBARU XV Awarded Top 5-Star Rating in Euro NCAP Safety Test
for the second consecutive year (2011 and 2012)

Tokyo, February 29, 2012 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced that its "Subaru XV" (XV 2.0i, LHD, European specifications) has been awarded the highest five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP)* for its 2012 overall safety performance. The 2012 rating reflects the performance of the XV against Euro NCAP’s latest requirements. A more comprehensive and rigorous assessment system has been implemented since 2009 by Euro NCAP which evaluates "Adult Occupant Protection", "Child Occupant Protection", "Pedestrian Protection" and "Safety Assist". The five star rating is being awarded to the Subaru XV for the second consecutive year.

*Euro NCAP is an independent agency composed of European governments and European motoring and
consumer organizations. It has been assessing new car safety performances since 1997.

Subaru further advanced its unique "ring-shaped reinforcement frame body" by optimizing the impact energy relay structure. The use of high tensile steel was also increased on the new Subaru XV. These features allow reduction in weight, higher collision safety performance to impacts from all directions, and enhanced passenger safety. In addition, airbags have been installed in the front seats, driver’s knee, and sides (torso and curtain). The above features are topped with VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) provided as standard on all models, making the XV an extremely safe car. The vehicle has received outstanding reviews for its safety performance, SUV functionality and stylish design. The Subaru XV went on sale in Europe earlier this year and orders are off to a strong start.

FHI aims to offer "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" through the Subaru experience, its brand statement "Confidence in Motion" at the foundation. "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" is not possible without the crucial element of "safety". Subaru will pursue all-around safety by continuing to advance its active, passive and pre-crash safety technologies.

Active safety: safety enhanced by driveability and risk-avoidance technologies
Passive safety: safety enhanced by collision safety systems
Pre-crash safety: safety enhanced by advanced driving assist technologies such as warning alerts and autonomous emergency braking