Aftermarket parts provider ArvinMeritor narrowed its net loss in the fiscal third quarter on a 35 percent year-over-year gain in sales.

The company's net loss was $3 million, compared to a net loss of $164 million in the year-ago quarter.

Meanwhile, the Michigan-based company said sales were $1.3 billion, up 35 percent from the same period last year.

"Higher revenues this quarter - up 35 percent year-over-year - indicate continued strength in the emerging markets and improvements in our North American and European customer markets," said Chip McClure, chairman, CEO and president. "In addition, our adjusted EBITDA margin doubled from the prior year's third fiscal quarter to six percent reflecting strong conversion of incremental revenue to earnings through tight cost controls."

Within its commercial truck sector, sales were $522 million, up $225 million from the same period last year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization was $25 million, up $45 million from the fiscal third quarter loss in 2009.

Sales for the company's industrial segment were $257 million, up $28 million from the third quarter of fiscal year 2009.

The aftermarket and trailer segment posted sales of $257 million, up $26 million from the same period last year. EBITDA for the segment was $20 million, a gain of about $2 million from the 2009 quarter. This was a result of higher global sales, partially offset by a decrease in MRAP service parts, which benefited the prior year.

The light vehicle systems segment posted sales of $309 million, up from $259 million in the same period last year.

ArvinMeritor recently completed its exit from the light-duty vehicle business with the sale of its Body Systems business to an affiliate of Inteva Products, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Renco Group.

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, the company expects revenue to be slightly lower due to seasonal customer shutdowns. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted income from continuing operations are also expected to be slightly lower.

"We are optimistic about the positive volume trends we are seeing both in Europe and North America, with the exception of military products," said McClure. "In addition, we are pleased with the continuing market strength in South America, China and India - particularly as we are taking actions to grow our business in those regions of the world."