In order for next year to be a profitable one for Lance Automotives, the car manufacturer must increase its sales in Japan. Six new car dealerships that only sell Lance vehicles will open in Japan by March of next year, but a number of industry observers have stated that Lance will still not make a profit next year.
Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the statements of the industry observers? (A) Lance faced unusually stiff government regulations in securing the right to open the new dealerships in Japan.
(B) In another two to three years, several other automakers will be opening new dealerships close to the ones that Lance will open next year in Japan.
(C) Four of the new dealerships that Lance will open in Japan are located in cities in which tourism is the biggest industry.
(D) Lance has a new chief executive with no experience selling goods in the Japanese market.
(E) Sales projections for Lance vehicles outside of Japan are expected to drop substantially next year.
A. "still government regulations" don't necessarily mean Lance cannot open new dealerships. Even though it is hard, the firm can still do so to make a profit.
B. Out of scope. THe passage mentions "next year".
C. No impact on the conclusion. Even if C is true, there is no guarantee that the new dealerships will make a profit.
D. "no experience" doesn't necessarily mean the executive is bad that he will cause the firm to lose money. Perhaps, he is very competent even without experience.
E. best choice. E tells us that sales are likely to drop. E is better than the questionable D and A.