GDANSK (Reuters)

Shares in Traton rose on Tuesday after Volkswagen's truck unit reported third-quarter results above expectations, driven by robust sales in its US brand International and Swedish unit Scania.

Traton shares were up 4% by 0728 GMT, reaching their highest in three months. Peers Daimler Truck and Volvo were up 1.7% and 1%, respectively.

The operating profit jumped by 19% to 1.14 billion euros ($1.23 billion) in the July-September period, with the return on sales hitting 9.6%, according to a press release published late Monday after the market close.

Analysts expected the operating profit to be 1.02 billion euros and the return on sales at 8.7%, based on a consensus estimate compiled by the company. Despite the positive results, Traton decided to keep its annual guidance unchanged.

A local trader noted the absence of a guidance upgrade and the non-disclosure of the order intake for the quarter as a "fly in the ointment" that may limit positive share reactions.

Traton's results come as its parent Volkswagen faces weak demand for its core passenger car brand and competition from China, considering plant closures in Germany for the first time.

($1 = 0.9237 euros)