10.Today's low gasoline prices make consumers willing

to indulge their preference for larger cars, which

consume greater amounts of gasoline as fuel. So

United States automakers are unwilling to pursue

the development of new fuel-efficient technologies

aggressively. The particular reluctance of the United

States automobile industry to do so, however, could

threaten the industry's future.





Which of the following, if true, would provide the

most support for the claim above about the future

of the United States automobile industry?



(A) A prototype fuel-efficient vehicle, built five years

"ago, achieves a very high 81 miles per gallon

"on the highway and 63 in the city, but its

"materials are relatively costly.

(B) Small cars sold by manufacturers in the United

States are more fuel efficient now than before

"the sudden jump in oil prices in 1973.

(C) Automakers elsewhere in the world have slowed

"the introduction of fuel-efficient technologies

"but have pressed ahead with research and

"development of them in preparation for a

"predicted rise in world oil prices.

(D) There are many technological opportunities for

"reducing the waste of energy in cars and light

"trucks through weight, aerodynamic drag,

"and braking friction.

(E) The promotion of mass transit over automobiles

"as an alternative mode of transportation has

"encountered consumer resistance that is due

"in part to the failure of mass transit to accom-

"modate the wide dispersal of points of origin

"and destinations for trips.


the answer is c . just tell me how c is reasonable?
Thank you!