US Edition However, analysts said the results were "reassuring" and that Senior, which manufactures high-technology components for civil aerospace, automotive and energy markets, was performing resiliently.
Vehicle production in the UK as a whole is down by 60pc so far this year, according to industry data, but Mark Rollins, chief executive, said cost-cutting and currency benefits such as a strong dollar ensured Senior avoided sliding into the red with pre-tax profits of £17m for the first quarter of this year.
Last month, the company warned it was cutting 980 jobs as a result of the crisis facing the sectors in which it operates.
The shares rose 3pc, or 1, to 37½p
"Senior's interim management statement is reassuring," said Chris Dyett, an analyst at Investec. "In what should have been the toughest months for the Flexonics land vehicles businesses they remained cash generative and profitable."
Mr Rollins outlined a cautiously optimistic outlook for Senior, claiming land vehicle production is "stabilising" as scrappage schemes designed to boosts sales in Europe have an impact.
The aerospace division is "healthy", Mr Rollins added, with orders from the likes of Boeing and Airbus holding up. Senior is "ready to take the appropriate action" if production declines amid falling airline passenger numbers.