text: declining sales as a result. Still, we do see potential in new 
  
  areas within the market. For example, we increased the 
  
  number of women employed as “carlife” advisors and 
  
  technical advisors. We did this to put both women and older 
  
  customers at ease when they have sales and service 
  
  issues. Both types of advisors are important to our sales 
  
  and service at a dealership because they make the process 
  
  more transparent and understandable. Service is a very 
  
  profitable part of business in Japan, so taking ours to the 
  
  next level is crucial. 
  
  We have two plans to expand sales in a flat market. 
  
  The first is to develop a more efficient marketing strategy 
  
  that is aligned with our quality products. The second is to 
  
  build a more efficient dealership network, which will boost 
  
  customer satisfaction. If we succeed at these, we can raise 
  
  both our sales and our customer retention rate. 
  
  Our dealers are reporting that the quality of our 
  
  vehicles has improved greatly. We knew this from the 
  
  upstream side, but it means a great deal to get 
  
  confirmation from the market. Quality is always a risk factor 
  
  in Japan; consumers here are unforgiving about quality 
  
  problems. The Internet has accelerated the ability to share 