ArvinMeritor Says 2Q Earnings Will Improve

Heavy-duty parts maker ArvinMeritor Inc. said its fiscal second-quarter earnings would be “significantly better” than last year’s second quarter.

While not giving specific numbers for the quarter that will end March 31, the company reiterated its fiscal 2008 earnings forecast of $1.40 to $1.60 per share, excluding special items.

ArvinMeritor said that through the end of February, it had implemented initiatives associated with it’s a profit improvement program that will reduce costs by $75 million per year on a run- rate basis.

ArvinMeritor will release its second-quarter results on April 29.