Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. reported a $25 million net loss in the third quarter of 2006 despite quarterly sales improving 28 per cent to $716 million. Through the first nine months of 2006, Cooper posted a net loss of $51 million against sales of $1.9 billion, up 22 per cent versus the same period of 2005. Sales at Cooper Europe reached $80 million, up more than 14 per cent compared to the same period last year. The increase in European sales is said to have been the result of approximately 3 per cent higher unit volume, the impact of prices increases and favourable exchange rates.

Cooper said the quarterly loss was due to a number of factors, including costs associated with North American inventory adjustments; $5 million in severance paid to former chairman, president and CEO Tom Dattilo; expenses related to closing its Athens, Georgia, plant; and the restructuring of its European operations.