You are browsing the archive for 2011 February.

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by Swade

Geneva Show cars to go on roadshow

February 28, 2011 in Saabology

Greetings from Geneva!! It’s a little chilly, but I was still able to wear my shorts :-)

I can’t do a Googletrans on the website, but i-love-saab.ch has been established and the cars that go on show at Geneva will be touring Switzerland just after the show finishes.

The Saab Design concept won’t be making the rounds, so you’ll have to attend the Geneva show to see that in person this month.

The cars that will be making the rounds include the Saab 9-5 SportCombi and of course, the 9-5 sedan, the Saab 9-4x, the Saab 9-3 Griffin and the Saab 9-3 Independence Edition convertible.

If your in Switzerland (or otherwise nearby), check out the i-love-saab.ch website for the registration form and all the details as to when they’ll be near you.

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Avatar of Red J

by Red J

Saab cooperating with C.O.T.

February 28, 2011 in News

It is not much information available about that, but it looks like Saab is cooperating with a Swedish Company based in Gothenburg called Clean Oil Technology.

COT has developed some technologies to keep the oil in the engine cleaner. While the oil is clean, it can be further used, and thus the intervals between oil changes could be increased.

In the 2010 review of the company, there is a small paragraph about their cooperation with Saab.

Saab Automobile now has funding in place for the continued operation of the COT which meant we could advertise the cooperation that lasted a long time. Saab Automobile AB is planning to further strengthen its position in the fields of environmental technology and safety. Among the interesting new environmental technologies being studied is the COT Oil Refiner ™. Our study and evaluation of the COT Oil Refiner ™ by field tests have been ongoing during 2010 and most of 2009. The results, which so far we have achieved, meet our expectations, “said Kjell ac Bergstrom, CEO of Saab Automobile Powertrain AB. He continues: “COT Oil Refiner ™ provides us with potential opportunities in the future to extend our service intervals, in our evaluation of the system also includes planning for the introduction of selected models to emerge.” Together with Saab, which has a recognized reputation as innovators and a pioneer in cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, we have now reached the result that opens a whole new international market for the COT Oil Refiner™.

If this is true, Saab has been working on that for at least 2 Years, but without assigned funding, the Trolls seem to be good at that.

With this technology Saab intends to increase the oil change intervals, which, in my point of view, would make Saab cars very interesting.

–

Red J

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Avatar of Red J

by Red J

Sunday Evening Geneva Snippets

February 27, 2011 in Saabology

Swade must be on his way to Geneva, and I’m doing the latest preparations for tomorrow.
But for those that can’t wait, I’ve collected some information about Saab at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Saab booth will be in Hall 2. As you can see other brands in this hall are Seat,VW, Skoda, Subaru and Opel, not to forget Spyker.

Saab's booth placement.

If we zoom in, we see that Saab is placed between Opel and Dacia and in front of Spyker. Some of you would say that this is not the best place for Saab to be, but if my memories are right, this is the same booth as last year, so it must be some long term contracts that keep Saab on that place.

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The Geneva Auto Show has a list of VIP that will be hosted by the different brands, and I must admit, it is OK that Saab is not hosting no VIP on its booth. :-)

Otoh, people like Dieter Meier or Boris Blank from Yello would fit quite good with Saab .

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The press conference from Saab is on Tuesday 1st of March at 11:45, just after the Opel press conference, so expect to be a very crowded press conference, as the Press guys will only have to move a couple of meters ;-)

For those willing to see the conference live, there is a Geneva Motor Show live Site.

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Which cars will be on the booth?

If you search for Saab on the site, you will get this list.

  • Saab 9-3 Cabriolet Independence
  • Saab 9-3 Griffin Sport Limousine
  • Saab 9-3 Griffin SportCombi
  • Saab 9-4X
  • Saab 9-5 SportCombi 2.0T BioPower
  • Saab 9-5 SportCombi 2.0TTiD

This are only the premières shown, so expect to see some other car, not to forget JC’s concept.

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On the Geneva Auto Show site, you can find 2 live cams, but only for Halls 4,5 and 6.

Cam1 : Hall 4&5
Cam2 : Hall 6

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And now something non-Geneva related

Some people here do worry that Saab could bring the low power version of the new engine (163hp) to the states, only because some news outlets did extrapolate the international press release to the national American market.

Well in the mean time the American press release is out and this is the important passage

Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter gasoline engine gives 220 hp and includes direct injection, variable valve timing and twin scroll turbocharging.

No single word about the 163 hp version.

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And talking about this engine, but in the 9-5.
On the Hirsch site the update for the Turbo4 220 and the BioPower4 are marked as Coming Soon, this time for the automatic and the manual transmission.

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I’ve received a list of the cars/engines that can get an Hirsch ECU update in the USofA.

So if you are interested in upgrading your engine, check first this list.

  • 2010/11 Saab 9-5 Aero/Turbo 6 2.8L
  • 2008 Saab 9-3 (SS/SC/Conv.) 2.8L
  • 2007-2011 Saab 9-3 SS 2.0L
  • 2009-2011 Saab 9-3 SS XWD 2.0L
  • 2007-2011 Saab 9-3 SC 2.0L
  • 2009-2011 Saab 9-3 SC XWD (may include the 9-3X) 2.0L
  • 2007-2011 Saab 9-3 Conv. 2.0L

Keep in mind that you can test the Hirsch upgrades on your own car for 10 days for free (maybe your dealership wants the working time to be paid, but I can’t tell about that).

And for the owners of a 2007 Saab, Hirsch is offering a 30% discount on the product price, excluding taxes and installation cost.

–

Red J

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by Swade

Sunday Morning Quick Snippets

February 27, 2011 in Saabology

Gotta be quick. Plane leaves very soon.

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I want this!!!!

Thanks to Sytze for the tip!

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One of the comments I just approved…. from ‘Djup Strupe’ (the name used by the commenter, not a DS I can validate) and written in regard to the tail lamp tinting for the Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin:

It is just wrong image rendering. It is the same rear lamps on all 9-3 SportCombi.

Interesting. It seems there could be an error then, on the Saab Sweden website. Either that or an error in DS’s comment. I’ll let Saab sort that out.

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Another comment I just approved, from ‘Kris’

ps. I want to see some test between Subarus AWD and Saabs XWD. Is that XWD a real four wheel drive?

The test would be welcome, but no magazine seems to have seen it to be appropriate. But in answer to your question in the second part – Yes it is, and it’s far more sophisticated than most. Do your own research, though. You can search for “Saab XWD” and come up with all sorts of stuff.

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The brief descriptor for the Saab Design Concept to be shown in Geneva:

World Premiere: Concept for Future Saab Design
Taking center stage is an exciting concept car showcasing design features and technologies to be seen in the next generation of products from Saab.

Conceived by a team under new Saab Design Director Jason Castriota, the concept´s sleek visual execution introduces styling themes drawn from Saab´s unique Scandinavian and aircraft-inspired design heritage. Cutting-edge technologies include all wheel drive with an electrically powered rear axle and a ground-breaking car communications platform using the AndroidTM operating system.

Get it into your heads – this is not the next Saab 9-3 you’re about to see. It’s not the re-birth of the Saab 99T or the Saab 900 you’re about to see.

This is Saab’s Aero-X statement for the future.

Thanks Ryan F….

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It perplexes me a little that Saab (Sweden) get blamed by some people because their local dealer wasn’t up partying for Independence Day.

Saab (Sweden) put on a massive party and made plenty of noise about Independence Day. Whether or not something happened in your country is primarily up to the group that controls Saab in your country. And even then it’s up to your dealer to be switched on enough to make Independence Day a presence at their particular venue.

Moral of the story – don’t fire a rocket at Saab if your local isn’t partying and offering you a smorgasboard. Fire it at the local, or national group. A solution might even come down to you (or your car club) taking the initiative and getting some local action happening.

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Places where Independence Day was being noted with either a function, or some great deals……

New Salem Saab battled 8 inches of new snow (man, they are doing it tough this winter) to hold their Independence Day event yesterday. I don’t have much of an idea as to attendance, etc, but the food sure looked good :-)

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Stratstone Saab in Birmingham had offers going as per the Saab GB directive. Our mate Elli went along for a look…..

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Some brochure info for the Saab 9-3 Independence Edition Convertible. This is Saab GB markets only (as far as I know).

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OK.

My next writing will be either from an airport somewhere, or from Geneva. I’m off!

SW

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Avatar of Swade

by Swade

Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin gets tinted tail

February 27, 2011 in Saabology

I hadn’t spotted this and I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned in comments (RedJ gets all the emails to comments on his posts) but I figured it would be worth a mention here anyway.

Well spotted by Markku, a saabnut from Finland.

Markku was taking a look at the new Saab 9-3 Griffin on the Saab Sweden website when he noticed the difference in the tail lamps between the regular Griffin and Aero Griffin models.

The regular Griffin:

And the Aero Griffin:

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The tinted lights do not appear on the Sport Sedan, but do appear on the Aero versions of the SportCombi and Convertible.

And they look pretty darn cool.

It looks like they also make an appearance on the Independence Edition (which looks better and better every time I see it – just awesome)

–

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by Swade

Hirsch release 180hp upgrade for Saab 9-5 TiD

February 26, 2011 in News

If you’ve got the single turbo 160hp version of the new Saab 9-5 diesel, then Hirsch have just released the upgrade to bring some extra boost into your life.

180HP Performance upgrade for the Saab 9-5 2.0 TiD with automatic and manual transmission.

The enormous development and testing effort invested by Hirsch Performance in diesel engine calibration is delivering results.

The high torque of 400Nm is available from remarkably low rpm’s. The harmonius power delivery and wide rpm band provide larger reserves when overtaking and markedly improved performance for the 2.0TiD with variable geometry turbocharger. The fuel consumption remains very low, and the emissions are Euro 5 – certified.

Extensive testing in test benches and on the road ensure the high quality and durability that is expected of a Hirsch Performance product.

Available for installation at your Saab dealership now!

There some extra data here (UK market used).

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Avatar of Swade

by Swade

Saab at Auto Shows this weekend

February 26, 2011 in Saabology

There are a couple of Auto Shows starting this weekend and Saab will be at both of them in different capacities.

The Cleveland Auto Show runs from Feb 26 through to March 6 and Saab have set up a pretty good stand at the show. The Saab 9-4x is there. Andy Rupert took the following photo and agrees with many others in saying that the 9-4x looks better in person (as they always seem to do).

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The Greater Milwaukee Auto Show also starts on the weekend, running the same dates as the Cleveland show.

I got a note in my inbox from Peter Gilbert, the million-mile Saab guy, saying he’ll be working at the Saab stand on Sunday.

If you were thinking of heading along to the show, consider that an extra reason to get there – I’m sure Peter would love to say hello!

–

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Avatar of Swade

by Swade

Saab show the 9-6x

February 26, 2011 in Saabology

Back in the dark old days, when GM were looking to build new Saab models on the cheap, they were thinking of building a Saab model based on the Subaru Tribeca and calling it the Saab 9-6x.

My old Saab website, Trollhattan Saab, in one of first encounters with the mysterious Djup Strupe, broke some of first imagery of that vehicle, which looked like this….

Of course, GM sold its 20% stake in Fuji Heavy Industries and the Saab 9-6x project was cancelled (as was the Saab 9-2x, which was already in production and had a few years of sales).

Fast forward to September 2009….. I visited the Saab Museum after attending the Frankfurt Motor Show and as part of that visit, Dave R and I got a tour with Peter Backstrom around the back of the Saab Museum. I showed a whole lot of photos here from that tour (see part 1 and part 2) but there was one photo I didn’t publish, at Peter’s request. Here it is….

This was one of the views that met me when we first went out the back of the museum. Considering that Saab had only ever produced sedans and sportcombis that were of normal height (aside from the 9-7x), it struck me as being a little strange that the two covered vehicles up against the wall had such high rooflines compared to the rest of the vehicles in the room.

You guessed it – the Saab 9-6x.

We did take the covers off and take a look, but I didn’t take any pictures as Peter didn’t want the cars shown. He mentioned that it would be a few years yet before it would be OK to show these in public.

It looks like Independence Day marked the occasion for the 9-6x to make a public debut. Along with a number of other vehicles from the Saab Museum storage area, the 9-6x was out on display at the factory during the celebrations.

As shown in the Tekniken’s Varld video shown here yesterday…..

Someone asked in comments if there was a rear view of the car (it wasn’t shown on the video). As it happens, our man at the Independence Day event, Dave R, snapped a photo of it.

You might have noted that there were two in the museum photo, above, and only one shown in the video.

It looks like the one in the video was the three-door model. They had both a three-door and a five-door model out the back of the museum.

The interior? From what I can remember (which was just a very quick look and in poor light) the interior of the prototype was pure Subaru Tribeca. They hadn’t fitted anything Saaby at all to the one that I saw a few years ago – but again, it’s a hazy memory.

All in all, it’s a nice addition to the Saab story and I’m glad they’ve finally got it out into the public domain.

And you lot thought I could never keep a secret!

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by eggsngrits

5 Saaby things you can do with Google Chrome

February 26, 2011 in Uncategorized

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted; it’s been too long, really.  So, I’m going to keep it light and leave the heavy lifting to Swade and RedJ for now.

I love the internet.  Almost as much as Saab.  Almost.  I’ve also noted on these pages that I am a real fan of the Chrome web browser from Google.  Previously, if you’d asked me why, I would have answered, “Chrome is fast and it takes fewer clicks to navigate.”  Simple.  Those things are still true, but now Google has opened the Chrome Web Store, which is much like an App Store for the iPhone and Android.  Instead, of course, it contains plug-ins and extensions specifically for the Google Chrome browser.  It’s another clear reason to prefer Chrome.

As you may guess, the applications and extensions in the Chrome Web Store are information aggregation applications for the most part — bringing you information in different ways than before.  Harnessing these little applications for your own fun and profit is surprisingly easy and rewarding.

We’ll take a look after the jump….

Read the rest of this entry →

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Avatar of Swade

by Swade

New Salem Saab hosting Independence event this weekend

February 26, 2011 in Saabology

Re-Posted – event on this weekend

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Our good mates at New Salem Saab are hosting an event to commemorate Saab’s sale to Spyker Cars.

It’s on this weekend. Here’s the Facebook page, and here are the details from it….

You are invited to come celebrate the one year anniversary of the Saab rebirth as an independent automaker! This anniversary is our way to celebrate our rebirth and to show that Saab has weathered the global economic slowdown and not only continues to sell great cars, but is in the midst of a product offensive with great new vehicles and ideas!

So we invite you to come out to New Salem Saab and celebrate with us! The party will start at 9am with refreshments and Scandinavian fun for all! Test drive our new 9-5 while your here! Bring your family and friends, Everyone is welcome! :)

Time: Saturday, February 26 · 9:00am – 3:00pm

Location: New Salem Saab, 2017 Central Avenue, Albany NY

And whilst we’re talking New Salem Saab, check out the photos on their FB page of a customer’s car that was recently hit and spun. All occupants OK. Car did it’s job.

This car saved my husband’s life twice. I’m so grateful for Saab safety systems!

You can’t design a 100% crash-proof car. All you can do is develop the absolute safest car you can. That’s what Saab do and they’re second to none.

I’m glad you’re OK, sir.

People, if you’re in the area, make sure you drop in at NSS on the weekend and say G’day to Darryl and the team there. I know they’d love to see you and appreicate your support.

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Avatar of Swade

by Swade

Friday Night Snippets

February 25, 2011 in Saabology

It’s almost Geneva time!!!!

I don’t know if it’s been mentioned, but RedJ did eventually get accreditation and will be joining me at the show. We’re going to cover every darn square inch of the Saab stand :-) . I’m also going to do my best to empty Switzerland of its renowned chocolate, too.

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Spyker Cars NV has performed a revaluation of Saab’s assets, an expected move that will actually improve their bottom line for 2010.

AMSTERDAM, Feb 25 (Reuters) – Spyker Cars (SPYKR.AS), the loss-making Dutch sports car maker which acquired much larger Saab last year, on Friday said it had revised the value of its Saab assets to 132.3 million euros ($182.9 million), from 54.4 million euros.

It’d be interesting to know what assets are included in this valuation, given that Saab’s assets were used as a security for the Swedish government guaranteeing the EIB loan.

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Video from Teknikens Varld, featuring an interview with VM on Independence Day.

Hopefully it works (it took so long buffering here that I haven’t actually seen it yet).

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Volvo are dropping station wagons from their US sales range. Other European importers are doing the same. Saab will release their all new 9-5 wagon in a few months from now, which seems like serendipitous timing.

Edmunds.com, the online-car buying site, lists 115 kinds of SUVs and 92 types of crossovers but only 31 varieties of station wagon. Even that count is suspect. It includes a Ford Flex, which is a minivan in disguise, and the bizarre Dodge Caliber.

That quote is from a Yahoo Autos article talking about the demise of the wagon in the US.

I’m a firm believer that a good wagon, like a good car, can find an appreciative audience.

Thanks Peter G!

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Earlier this month I featured a glowing report about the new Saab 9-5 from a Canadian website called Cardriven.

The same site has now had some time behind the wheel of a Saab 9-3 fitted with XWD. And the review is just as glowing, even if it’s slightly perplexing.

The review seems to be of a 9-3 V6 with XWD, which hasn’t been for sale in Canada for a couple of years now. Yet the headline says 2011 Saab 9-3. Maybe Canada are getting something the US aren’t!

It’s confusing. But still a decent read. (The photos aren’t showing up at all for me)

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Speaking of OK reading, Paul Eisenstein has an overview piece on Saab’s situation over at MSNBC.

It looks like he’s been to Kiruna to have a drive on the ice, though he doesn’t talk about that much (might be saving it for another report.

It’s worth 5 minutes of your time.

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Avatar of Swade

by Swade

Saab Independence Day event – Florida

February 25, 2011 in Saabology

I know I’m not going to get to all of these Independence Day events, but I’ll cover all that I can.

For those of you down in the south-east, Saab of Orange Park are running an Independence Day sales event from February 25 to 27.

The NE Florida Saab Club will be in attendance at the dealership around lunchtime on Saturday 26th.

Those address details again….

Saab of Orange Park
7999 Blanding Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32244
904-425-8902

If you’re in the area, it’d be a great chance to call in and support this dealer. It’s a good chance to hook up with the NE Florida Saab Club, too.

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by Swade

Saab GB – Independence Day offers this weekend

February 25, 2011 in News

Saab GB are extending a few special offers this weekend as part of Saab’s Independence Day events. All dealers should be participating.

For those looking to buy a car, there are special offers available for both new and certified used cars INCLUDING the chance to win your purchase price back.

If you’re looking to improve your current car, there’s something there for you, too, with 50% discounts on some Hirsch upgrades and FREE badge replacement.

Offers are available between February 25 and 28.

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Saab Independence Event
Friday 25th – Monday 28th February

Our first year of independence has been an exciting one, with the arrival of the stylish all new Saab 9-5 saloon and building partnerships with a number of leading innovators. And with 2011 set to welcome some brand new additions to the Saab family, things really couldn’t be in better shape.

So, over the weekend of Friday 25th February until Monday 28th February, we’re celebrating our first successful year of independence. And we’d like you to celebrate with us.

Extraordinary offers across the range and win back the price you pay†

There are lots of reasons to visit us during our Independence Event:

  • An additional £2,500 Trade-in allowance* on your agreed part exchange price.
  • 2010 Approved Used models from just £17,495**.
  • Great finance offers across the range.
  • Plus, if you buy a new or Approved Used Saab during the event, you’ll get the chance to win back the price you pay in our exclusive competition. † for full Competition Terms and Conditions please click here.

Owners’ Area

But if you’re not quite ready to replace your Saab yet, you can still take advantage of our exclusive Aftersales offers for Saab owners, including:

  • Free visual health check, car wash and complimentary clinic with one of our Saab trained technicians.
  • Up to 50% discount on Hirsch Performance upgrades***.
  • Free badge replacement.
  • It all adds up to a great celebration this weekend. So come and join us.

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Avatar of Swade

by Swade

Gallery from Saab’s Independence Day

February 25, 2011 in Saabology

Stig Hedstrom is a Swedish photographer and he was hired by Saab to attend the Independence Day celebrations in Trollhattan through the week.

Stig emailed me earlier today and offered the following photos for use here on SU. It’s just another view of the event, another insight as to what happened there.

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Avatar of Swade

by Swade

Independence Day celebrated in Serbia

February 25, 2011 in Saabology

It’s good to hear that Independence Day celebrations are taking place in other parts of the world as well as in Sweden.

I’ll have some more info about a few celebrations in the US shortly.

Until then, though, it was great to hear that one of the dealers in Belgrade invited journalists and other media employees along to take part in celebrations there. They had cars on display as well as a live feed from the main celebrations in Sweden.

A full article is available for translation here.

Thanks to Goran for the tip.

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Tags: 4 Comments »