*North American production sales up 3 pct; 5 pct in Europe. Aurora, Ontario- based Magna credited rebounding North American auto demand and increased revenue from Europe, where its sales rose even though the industry overall has been hurt by lower production.

TORONTO, May 10- Auto parts maker Magna International Inc posted a higher-than-expected rise in first-quarter profit on Friday as its revenues climbed 9 percent, boosted by strong sales in North America. Net earnings climbed to $369 million, or $1.57 per share, in the quarter ended March 31 from $343 million, or $1.46 per share, a year earlier.

May 1- Magna International Inc said on Wednesday it is resuming operations at a Toronto- area auto parts plant that was earlier shut down by an explosion and fire that injured nine people. Magna said the "minor arc flash explosion" at its Dortec Industries plant, located in the town of Newmarket, some 35 miles north of Toronto, was isolated to one manufacturing line.

May 1- Nine people were injured in an explosion and fire on Wednesday at an auto parts plant in Newmarket, Ontario, owned by Magna International Inc, local police said. York Regional police said six people were sent to the hospital, while Magna said in a statement that five employees were hospitalized for evaluation.

NEW YORK, March 6- Johnson Controls Inc is exploring a potential sale of its automotive interiors unit, a move that would allow the diversified manufacturer to focus on higher-margin building controls and next-generation car batteries, three people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

*Sees 2013 total sales of $32 bln- $33.4 bln. *Sees 2013 total production sales of $27 bln- $28 bln. TORONTO, March 1- Canadian auto parts maker Magna International Inc raised its full-year sales forecast on Friday and sweetened its quarterly dividend after a fourth-quarter performance that beat expectations.

Bank of Montreal- Canada's No. 4 lender and the first of the big five banks out of the gate this year with quarterly financial results- set the tone for the lenders early this week with a surprise dividend increase.

TORONTO, Jan 27- All systems are go for Canada's auto parts sector. The fortunes of Magna International Inc, Linamar Corp and Martinrea International Inc are tightly tied to the Detroit Three and the health of the U.S. vehicle market.