Yes, in Europe a luxury item, at the time we left I remember some smaller cars being advertsied with it as an option, it was trickling down to the hoi polloi.

Currently in the US it is technically an option on some cars, my colleague bought a KIA with no AC, or other options to keep the price to bare minimum, I think he regrets it sometimes.

What kind of trees are they? Some species of trees are probably more likely to be susceptible to disease and or broken limbs. Do they both look fairly healthy? I tend to go for the shade myself. In fact, my parking space at my apartment is directly under a rather sickly looking shade tree. I've parked there for almost three years now with no problems (knock on wood). :D

Create a parking garage by crashing through the side of the building.