Automobiles manufactured in Country J used to sell for high prices because they were usually higher in quality than automobiles manufactured in Country K. However, quality manufacturing technology is now so widespread that advantages in automobile manufacturing quality are rare. As a result, Country J’s automobiles no longer offer higher quality or command higher prices than Country K’s. Still, cars from Country J have a significant marketing advantage.

Which of the following, if true, best explains the contradiction presented in the passage?

A. Consumers believe that autos built in Country J have equal or better quality than those built in Country K.
B. Consumers realize that the quality of autos built in Country K can change.
C. When Country K adopted Country J’s manufacturing technology, it was more concerned with imitating Country J’s trucks than imitating its cars.
D. When quality advantages in automobile manufacturing were easier to possess, it was also easier to develop new automobile models.
E. When automobile sales decline, the automobile’s account is usually offered to a new marketing agency.