DaimlerChrysler to Keep Selling Prowler Cars

Bloomberg News reported today that DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler unit said it will keep building Prowler roadsters because demand for the vehicle remains strong, even as the Plymouth brand that launched the car nears its end. "As long as the market remains strong, we don't see any reason to end production," said Steve Bartoli, director of marketing for Chrysler-brand cars, as the automaker marked completion of the 10,000th Prowler at a Detroit factory. Production of the $44,625 cars will continue "indefinitely," he said. The fifth-largest automaker had discussed killing off the Prowler when the Plymouth brand ends this year. The car began as a Plymouth in 1997 and was switched to the Chrysler brand in January. Prowler U.S. sales rose 11 percent last year to 2,631, though they have fallen 31 percent to 941 this year through May with the brand change. Monthly sales have climbed back to the 200 to 300 the company needs, Bartoli said.