May 6 (Reuters) - BorgWarner topped analysts' estimates for first-quarter profit and sales on Wednesday, as the auto parts supplier benefited from demand for its drivetrain systems and turbochargers.
Auto-parts suppliers have experienced strong demand for their components over the past few years from global automakers racing to produce efficient gas-powered engines.
BorgWarner, which counts Ford, GM and Volkswagen as clients, produces critical components for drivetrains that are used in modern pickup trucks and crossover SUVs.
Sales at its unit that makes drivetrains rose nearly 4.5% to $1.42 billion in the quarter ended March 31 from a year ago.
The company's quarterly adjusted profit per share rose to $1.24 from $1.11 a year ago.
Analysts on average expected BorgWarner to notch earnings of $1.17 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.
The company, best known for its turbochargers, reported a marginal rise in overall quarterly sales to $3.53 billion from a year ago, ahead of estimates of $3.49 billion.
(Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)
