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LIVONIA, Mich. (AP) Auto parts supplier TRW Automotive is reporting a third-quarter profit of $56 million as cost cuts helped it recover from a loss a year ago.

The company from Livonia, Mich., also is raising its full-year sales forecast, citing better-than-expected levels of vehicle production.

Auto parts makers have been forced to slash costs as automakers have cut production over the last year. Vehicle production has more recently been recovering, however.

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. said Wednesday its profit for the quarter ended Oct. 2 came to 50 cents per share, beating Wall Street's expectations. It lost $54 million, or 53 cents per share, in the same period last year.

It says its sales fell to $3.1 billion from $3.6 billion a year ago.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-04-09 0730CST | save this article / add to your favorites list