The world's No 5 automaker said it plans instead to concentrate on expanding its more upscale Chrysler brand, which has the better potential for worldwide growth.

Plymouth's line-up currently consists of the Neon and Breeze cars, Voyager and Grand Voyager minivans, and Prowler roadster. Retail production of the Breeze will be stopped at the end of this year as the car is replaced by a Chrysler Cirrus LXi, an entry level version of the Chrysler Cirrus.

Chrysler plans to expand its minivan line-up in mid-December to include a renamed Chrysler Voyager and Grand Voyager. The Plymouth Neon, nearly identical to the Dodge Neon, will be phased out.

Also to be discontinued is the Prowler, a two-seater styled like a 1930's hot rod. The former Chrysler started mass production of the Prowler in the middle of 1997.

DaimlerChrysler spokeswoman Kathryn Blackwell said the car was always intended to be a limited production vehicle. The company has sold 1,850 Prowlers this year.

Introduced as an economy model in 1928, Plymouth helped Chrysler survive the depression. The brand had its best sales year in 1973, when it reached 766,442 units, boosted largely by the Duster Coupe. Plymouth sales so far this year were 235,252, down 9 per cent.