Growth in Wheel Orders Fuels Superior’s Profits

Superior Industries International Inc. said increased orders for its aluminum automobile wheels boosted its first-quarter earnings 80% from a year earlier on a 34% increase in revenue.

The Van Nuys-based maker of wheels and other automotive accessories said net income for the quarter ended March 31 climbed to $10.1 million from $5.6 million a year ago. Revenue rose to $98.1 million from $73.3 million.

Superior, whose customers include Ford, General Motors and several Japanese auto manufacturers, said those companies’ auto production was robust in the first quarter. Superior added that its earnings and sales gains also reflect auto makers’ growing preference for cast aluminum wheels. Superior also said that the heightened level of its wheel orders has continued in the second quarter.