Brussels, 12/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission will be holding a hearing in Brussels, on 13 and 14 February, on the exemption from competition rules granted for the car distribution system. The hearing is part of the consultations begun by the Commission last November to judge the advisability of renewing the block exemption scheme, which expires in October 2002. While consumer associations wish to see the system abolished to reduce the fragmented nature of Europe's new car market (see in particular EUROPE of 28 January, page 15), the car sector claims that the system of exclusivity granted to dealers is the best guarantee of quality after-sale service (see EUROPE of 5&6 January, page 17 and 25 January, page 14).