Brussels, 09/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 17 July, the Commission is to adopt the final version of the new regulation concerning automobile distribution, to take effect on 1 October this year, and whose next revision will be in 2010. We recall that the fundamental change of this new regime will be the abolition of distribution that is not only exclusive (one dealer for a specific territory) but also selective (choice of dealer according to specific criteria), with manufacturers being able to choose the formula they prefer. A two-year transition period (which expires on 1 October 2004) is nonetheless foreseen in order to allow players to adjust and to take position given the competitive pressure caused by the new regime. Furthermore, the existing distribution contracts, both selective and exclusive, may be maintained during one more year (therefore until 1 October 2003). Community sources state that, further to conclusions drawn from the period of consultation with the circles concerned, from the EP and after two advisory committee meetings, the Commission has introduced some arrangements in its preliminary draft, which are mainly clarifications compared to vague points put forward by the partners consulted. For example, the final text will be more precise concerning access to technical information or the rules concerning "multi-makes" (several makes proposed by a single dealer). Concerning the abolition of the locality clause, which will henceforth give dealers the possibility to open a new sales point outside the territory, for which the EP had called for two-year deferral (until 1 October 2005), the definitive text does not provide for any exemption but contains clarifications about the creation of secondary sales points "which must meet qualitative criteria", said one Commission official. We recall that, during the vote on the project, in February, Commissioners Lamy, Barnier, Liikanen and Verheugen had been critical about the project that they considered dangerous for the motor industry. "Changes made to the final text were welcomed by the persons interested as the text was improved and made clearer (…). We are tranquil in our minds about it", said the official.