Subaru has just revealed a world's-first driver assist system to provide easy access to persons with physical limitations. Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru automobiles in Japan revealed a 2014 Forester with the first-ever innovative "Wing Seat" for drivers with physical disabilities.
Subaru Japan has so far only released one image and brief information on the new innovative driver assist system. Its design is intended to be used for drivers with disabilities who need assistance getting into the seat and behind the wheel. While the popular new Forester is planned to be the first barrier-free vehicle of the lineup, no word on when this option will be put into production or when it would be available here in the US market.
Officially unveiled this past week during the 40th annual International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibit. Subaru displayed the new Driver Assistance System on the all-new 2014 Forester and the new 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid 2.0iL with EyeSight.
The need for handicapped accessible vehicles is great. Most vehicles that are currently available are after-market minivans and
use a side door that lifts the entire wheelchair into the van. These are expensive to retrofit and come with price tags that run from
$50,000-$80,000 and require complete customization.
The new system
from Subaru would allow the driver to move from the
wheelchair to the car seat easily and then be lifted into position. The new Forester with driver assist wing seat could make the fast-selling Forester even more popular around
the world.
HELPING TO GIVE YOU THE FREEDOM TO GO ANYWHERE
Subaru designs vehicles with active safety in mind that sets us apart from all the competition. order to provide the benefits of Subaru active safety to those who most appreciate the freedom of driving, the Subaru Mobile-It-Ease Program provides reimbursement assistance up to $500 for necessary vehicle modifications due to medically recognized physical disabilities.
Typical Vehicle Adaptations may include:
| Reduced effort brakes Driving consoles Elbow switches Emergency back-up brake system Parking brake - electric Parking brake - extension lever Quad key holder/turner | Foot control steering Gear selector lever for left hand Hand controls Left foot accelerator Servo assisted controls Siren detectors Steering system - emergency back-up | Steering system - reduced and zero effort Turn signal lever for right hand Wheelchair and/or scooter lifts or ramps Wheelchair carrier on top of vehicle Steering devices (Factory option power seats are not eligible for reimbursement) |
Modifying your Subaru can open a world of possibilities. New technologies make the benefits of modification available to more people than ever before. If you are shopping for a new Subaru and are interested in taking advantage of this program, please inform your Long Subaru Sales Consultant or go online for qualification information.
An award-winning combination of exhilarating driving performance, engineering excellence, go-anywhere capability and uncompromising safety. That's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.
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