 In contrast to previous versions, new Meteors used Mercury bodies, distinguished by the use of Ford interior trim.After 1976, the separate Meteor model lines were discontinued, with the nameplate becoming a low-cost trim of the Mercury Marquis in Canada through the 1981 model year.In the mid-1950s, Ford executives were convinced by Ernest Breech that, in order to compete with General Motors, the automaker had to meet each sales segment with a unique product.