STOCKHOLM, Oct 26 Reuters Swedenbased automaker Volvo Cars reported a rise in thirdquarter operating earnings on Thursday driven by strong volumes and lower costs for semiconductors and raw materials.

Volvo Cars, majorityowned by China39;s Geely Holding, said operating income rose to 4.5 billion Swedish crowns 402.75 million in the quarter from a yearago 2.1 billion.

Excluding joint ventures and associates the operating profit it came to 6.1 billion crowns.

Volvo said it had been able to maintain premium pricing despite facing pricing pressure in parts of the world.

We remain vigilant in light of the macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties and remain laserfocused on execution, CEO Jim Rowan said in a statement.

He said there had been lower costs for freight and other logistics, as well as lower raw material prices.

Volvo and other automakers are starting to see some relief from high costs related to raw materials and inflation. An extended period of supply chain woes has also started to subside.

1 11.1732 Swedish crowns

Reporting by Marie Mannes, editing by Essi Lehto and Terje Solsvik

Source Reuters