Goodyear’s 1Q Loss Narrows

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. said Wednesday its first-quarter loss was less than a loss in the same quarter last year.

Its net loss of $47 million, or 19 cents a share, compared with a loss of $333 million, or $1.38, a year ago, the Akron, Ohio-based company said.

Goodyear said that excluding some costs and charges it turned a profit of 18 cents a share.

The company sold more tires in North America — 15.2 million, from 13.9 million last year —  with sales rising 15% to $1.8 billion. The regional segment’s loss declined to $14 million, from $189 million.

Goodyear has more than 57 plants in 23 countries, the Associated Press reported.