General Motors surpassed Ford in electric vehicle sales during the third quarter.

• General Motors surpassed Ford Motor as the leader in electric vehicle sales during the third quarter, as Ford's EV sales growth slowed.
• On Wednesday, Ford announced a 0.7% rise in third-quarter U.S. new vehicle sales, with a 12.2% increase in EVs compared to the previous year.

During the third quarter, lost its lead in electric vehicle sales to crosstown rival, as the automaker's EV growth slowed.

On Wednesday, Ford announced a 0.7% rise in third-quarter U.S. new vehicle sales, with a 12.2% increase in EVs compared to the previous year.

Through September, Ford's third-quarter results contributed to a 45% increase in EV sales this year, totaling 67,689 units. In comparison, GM reported EV sales of 70,450 units through September, achieving a roughly 60% year-over-year increase during the third quarter.

In the U.S. EV market, Kia is a distant second to the market leader, with both Ford and GM also trailing by roughly 18,000 units or more.

While GM has been increasing its number of EV models, including eight "Ultium-based" EVs, Ford is focusing on expanding hybrid models in the short term.

""Our product strategy is validated by customers' response to our vehicles with powertrains tailored to their specific needs and lifestyles," said Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and customer service, in a release."

Although Ford has downplayed its short-term EV plans, CEO Jim Farley has emphasized the brand's position in sales.

According to the Detroit automaker, Ford retains its second place in sales, just behind Tesla.

According to Cox Automotive and Edmunds, the auto industry is projected to experience a 2% decline in third-quarter sales compared to the previous year, while Ford is expected to outperform the industry.

Despite a 2.8% decline in sales of traditional vehicles, Ford's EVs and hybrid models contributed to a 14% increase in sales during the third quarter.

In the third quarter of this year, Ford's U.S. sales increased by 2.7% compared to the same period last year, resulting in over 1.5 million vehicles sold.