AJAC Announces Subaru DriverFocus as Best Safety Innovation for 2019

• DriverFocus is named AJAC's Best Safety Innovation for 2019.
• Subaru's innovative DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System is designed to help address distracted driving and driver fatigue.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 20, 2019 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is thrilled to announce its newest safety accolade, awarded by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) today at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. Subaru Canada is pleased DriverFocus is named AJAC's Best Safety Innovation for 2019.

Subaru's innovative DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, available in the 2019 Forester and newly announced 2020 Legacy, is designed to help address distracted driving and driver fatigue. The segment-exclusive system, which uses facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction, works alongside Subaru's EyeSight driver assist suite to reduce the likelihood of a collision. Utilizing a camera mounted atop the dash, DriverFocus can register and recognize as many as five drivers and remember their individual pre-sets for seat position and door mirror angle, among others.

"The Innovation Awards now recognize safety, environmental awareness and technology," said Mark Richardson, president, Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. "This is an opportunity to recognize the very best and most innovative examples of new automotive products available to Canadian drivers."

"As our brand continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of customers, our commitment to safety is second to none," said Yasushi Enami, chairman, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. "This award from AJAC is a wonderful tribute to Subaru's core values as we prioritize the safety of not just Subaru drivers, but the safety of all."

In 2018, AJAC members nominated 30 different automotive innovations for consideration. The awards were judged by a panel of nine journalists who specialize in automotive technology. They independently reviewed briefs on all nominated entries, and from that initial review the jurors established a short list of finalists in each category. In late October, they convened for a day of presentations and questioning with manufacturer representatives on each of the short-listed entries. The jurors then voted a second time by secret ballot.

As with the Canadian Car of the Year awards program, these votes were compiled and authenticated by accounting firm KPMG.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ont., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 94 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @SubaruCanada on Twitter.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.