This always amazes me. The impression I get about the US market is that the nearer a car gets to the end of its life, the more kit is removed from it.
Conversely, here in the UK it is often the other way round - the closer a car gets to the end of production, the more goodies appear. Often the late basic models are nearly as well specced as the early high-spec models.
Kit supplied as standard on all late model Mk II Mondeos seems to include alloy wheels, aircon, rear disks, foglights etc etc. All of this was only available on high spec models inthe early years - my Ghia was among the first Mk IIs produced (April 1997) and most of the above were options - even on the second highest luxury spec car in the range.
Removing the on/off control for the passengers vent strikes me as ridiculous !
Regards
Shawn
