(December 28, 2016) TOYOTA CITY, Japan — Toyota has conducted a survey of accidents occurring in parking lots involving three models — the Alphard, the Vellfire, and the Prius — which were equipped with the Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) system. According to the survey of data concerning approximately 2,500 accidents from insurance companies that cover the policies for about 60,000 of these above mentioned vehicles, pedal misapplication accidents fell by approximately 70%, and accidents related to reversing were reduced by approximately 40%.

The survey was conducted during the 18-month period from January 2015 to June 2016 on the ICS system which helps to prevent or mitigate collision damage in parking spaces.

ICS uses clearance sonar to detect obstacles during sudden start caused by pedal misapplication, which helps to mitigate damages caused by collision. The Alphard, Vellfire, and Prius, which were launched in 2015, have been equipped with additional sensors and where the detection range was increased.

This expands the total detection range. This enables the ICS to help reduce collision damage caused by pedal misapplication, to support collision avoidance with adjacent vehicles and obstacles, as well as to mitigate damage when moving at low speed within a parking lot or pulling into a parking space even without pedal misapplication.

Toyota says that to contribute to the elimination of traffic fatalities and injuries which is the ultimate goal of a society that values mobility, it is moving forward with the development of safer vehicles and technologies based on its Integrated Safety Management Concept, and is continuously undertaking measures to integrate people, cars, and the traffic environment.