Ben & Jerry's Founder Shares Company's Philosophy

One of Ben & Jerry's founders, Jerry Greenfield (alongside Ben Cohen) shared some of their company's philosophies during a trip to Syracuse University. I thought this was a cool story and awesome concept, and of course we're lucky enough to have Ben & Jerry's be local to us in Vermont, so we gotta share!

Jerry said that the two of them originally started with a $4,000 bank loan and $8,000 in cash out of their own pockets. They bought an old five-gallon ice cream-making machine and rented an old gas station in Burlington. While renovating the station they used the cheapest material possible and said that the wood was so green when you hammered a nail into it, it squirted right back at you!

Jerry spoke about their battle with massive corporation Pillsbury, where the "food giant" tried to prevent distributors from carrying Ben & Jerry's ice cream. At that point, Ben wanted to get out of the business because he didn't like the way that business was done in the business world, and he didn't want to become that. Until a friend asked, "why don't you just change it?"

So they did. They sold stock to Vermont residents as opposed to Venture Capitalists and set aside some pre-tax profits for charitable work. They buy millions of dollars in brownies from a bakery that hires those who have had legal or substance abuse problems, and 14 of their 250 stores are run by non-profits that seek to train people.

Jerry said that buildings reflect a shift in society. The biggest structures were once religious places, then government buildings and now business, but they want to keep a spiritual aspect to Ben & Jerry's.

Awesome story by Syracuse.com. We thank them for sharing and hope you enjoyed the parts that you didn't already know!

Subaru BRZ STI Turbocharged Concept

Speed Lux just posted on article on the 2012 Australian International Motor Show, where Subaru showcased a new Project car aimed for racing purposes, equipped with a concept sports kit from Subaru Technica International - also known as STI. This concept is street legal, and would include rear-wheel drive, front and side under spoilers, rear under diffuser and a boot lip spoiler.

The best part is, this concept is the Subaru BRZ meeting the STI. It has the body of the BRZ, and the performance of the STI. Coming with a flexible tower brace, coil spring suspension set, short shift gear lever, gear knob, instrument panel trim, push-button start, black wheel nut set, sports muffler and 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a series of STI performance parts, suspension upgrades, accessories and spoilers, according to Speed Lux.

They also posted a quote from Managing Director of Subaru Australia Nick Senior, "All indications are that many BRZ buyers want to add some performance touches to their cars, and choosing genuine Subaru equipment offers great design, quality and peace-of-mind that aren't necessarily guaranteed by after-market suppliers."

Hopefully we'll have more updates soon on whether or not this concept will become a reality for the 2014 Subaru BRZ model. For now, we'll keep you in the loop as much as we are, and of course be sure to take a look at our current 2013 Subaru BRZ selection here.


All information and photos courtesy of Speed Lux

The Subaru BRZ Meets the Subaru WRX STI

Automobile Mag just published a blog post featuring the Subaru BRZ, side by side with a Subaru WRX STI. One of Automobile Mag's videographers, Sandon Voelker happens to be a WRX STI owner, so they gave him a BRZ for a weekend to really compare the two.

Let it be known though, that this guy is a die-hard fan of the STI; being an avid biker and videographer, he is always carrying loads of equipment of various sorts and believes the WRX STI is the best on the market for his needs. This includes cargo capacity, above-average performance and a less-than $50k price tag, according to Automobile.

Want either? View our Subaru WRX inventory or Subaru BRZ inventory.

So here's what he thought:

He loved the seats of the BRZ, saying instantly that they were more supportive sitting behind the wheel (the wheel that is covered by better materials in the STI). He says performance-wise,the BRZ's seats are miles ahead of the STI's. He still prefers the pedal placement in the STI, "because heel-toe shifts are much more natural." The infotainment system, he said, is more desirable in the STI.

As for design, the two cars are so different. On this, Sandon is too biased; he simply prefers wagons any day. He does love the look of the BRZ and compliments it immensely; it's just not for him. He also loves the cargo space of the STI, which you'll find less of in the BRZ because of the STI's hatchback.

Interior styling are very similar in the BRZ and STI, yet driving is quite different. "It doesn't take long to determine southeastern Michigan's roads favor the STI's more potent engine and more aggressive summer tires," according to Automobile Mag. However, Sandon says the BRZ gets the trifecta with its great chassis setup, appropriate amount of power and low-rolling resistance tires.

Which one is your favorite?

Automobile Mag will be posting another article featuring which snow tires work best with the drive of the BRZ, so stay tuned and happy driving!


Information, review and images via Automobile Mag

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Keeps Subaru as No. 1 in Safety

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek was just awarded Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, making Subaru the only manufacturer to have Top Safety Picks across their entire lineup.

"All Subaru cars need to be recognized as some of the safest cars on the planet," according to the article. Subaru has received Top Safety Pick for all of its models three years running, with the Subaru BRZ receiving the award last month and just recently, the XV Crosstrek.

“For three years running, Subaru is the only automotive manufacturer with the distinction of earning IIHS Top Safety Pick awards for every model it builds. It’s tough to win, and we commend Subaru for making safety a top priority," said IIHS President Adrian Lund.

Good work Subaru! Are we surprised? Well, no. But it's still exciting to be awarded for something so hugely vital to everyone; drivers, salespeople and manufacturers. Don't forget to reserve your 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek today! - Just click the link ;)

Info via Torque News

An Inside Look at Dave Higgins' Rally Car

Dave Higgins' 2012 Subaru WRX STI Rally Car

We just saw this great blog post by Auto Blog showing the nitty gritty details of Dave Higgins' rally car. We had the pleasure of hosting Dave Higgins' rally car in 2011, but this post is focusing on his newest Subaru WRX STI.

The newer beauty has a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 350 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. A display screen is set up to display info from any sensor of the vehicle on command. Cusco front and rear differentials push power to each wheel through beefed-up STI axles and hubs. To see more details about the 2012 Rally Cross Champion's Subaru WRX STI, click here.


Details, post and image via Auto Blog