Subaru Launches Retrofit Equipment
to Prevent Unintended Acceleration from Pedal Misapplication
Tokyo, May 29, 2020 – Subaru Corporation announced that it is launching equipment to prevent unintended acceleration from pedal misapplication for some of the existing Subaru models without EyeSight Driver Assist Technology or the Smart Assist*1. The equipment goes on sale today and can be retrofitted at Subaru dealers throughout Japan.
In recent years, accidents caused by confusion of the accelerator and brake pedals have become increasingly common. These accidents often involve elderly drivers and occur in parking lots. Subaru has responded to this situation by expanding its lineup of passenger cars equipped with EyeSight and mini vehicles with Smart Assist, in order to bring peace of mind to a broader range of customers.
Today’s equipment launch is meant to provide a genuine Subaru accessory for the enhanced enjoyment and peace of mind of customers whose vehicles are not equipped with EyeSight or Smart Assist.
Two types of devices are available, with each one applying to different models.
(1) Device for the Impreza and SUBARU XV (MSRP JPY 56,100 including consumption tax)*2
| Applicable model | Features |
| Impreza (GP/GJ)*3 |
- When the vehicle is moving up to about 10 km/h in drive or reverse, sonar sensors equipped at the front and rear detect obstacles such as walls within about 3 m of the front and rear and activate a lamp and buzzer to warn the driver. If the driver steps hard on the accelerator despite this, the device suppresses acceleration. *4 *5 - When the vehicle is in reverse, regardless of whether an obstacle is detected, if the driver steps hard on the accelerator at more than about 5 km/h or keeps holding the accelerator past about 5 km/h, the device warns the driver and suppresses acceleration. *4 *5 |
| SUBARU XV (GP)*3 |
(2) Device for the Lucra, Stella, Pleo and Pleo Plus (MSRP JPY 35,200 including consumption tax)*2
| Applicable model | Features |
| Lucra (RF)*3 | - When the vehicle is moving up to about 10 km/h in drive or reverse, sonar sensors equipped at the front and rear detect obstacles such as walls within about 3 m of the front and rear, and if the driver steps hard on the accelerator, the device activates a lamp and buzzer to warn the driver and suppresses acceleration. *4 *5 |
| Stella (RK)*3 | |
| Pleo (RD)*3 | |
| Pleo Plus (RE)*3 |
 |
| Device to prevent unintended acceleration from pedal misapplication: in-vehicle indicator (when activated; conceptual illustration) The display shows a message that reads “Release the accelerator” in Japanese |
“Safety Support Car” subsidy
Customers of age 65 or older*6 who purchase and install this equipment under certain conditions are eligible to receive a subsidy of JPY 40,000 for the installation of retrofit equipment to prevent unintended acceleration from pedal misapplication under the Safety Support Car subsidy system*7 implemented by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
To receive the subsidy, customers must purchase and install the equipment through a retrofit equipment business authorized by the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center. Subaru’s 44 dealers throughout Japan are in the process of applying for authorization and are expected to be authorized by the end of June 2020.*8
The retrofit equipment business that sells and installs the equipment will apply for the subsidy. The customer can purchase and install the equipment with the value of the subsidy already deducted from the price and does not have to apply independently.
For details, see the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center’s website.
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