Japanese automaker Toyota Motor would postpone the production of electric vehicles at its Kentucky plant in the US to the first half of 2026, citing design adjustments and slowing sales, the Nikkei business daily reported on Thursday.

The Japanese motor industry giant was aiming to start production in late 2025 or early 2026. Toyota now expects to launch its US EV operation at an unspecified time in 2026, a company spokesperson told BBC News.

Toyota Motor 7203.T will postpone the start of electric-vehicle production in North America to the first half of 2026 due to design adjustment and slowing EV sales, the Nikkei business daily reported on Thursday.

Shares of Ford Motor Co. lost 1% in morning trading after the automaker said third-quarter U.S. vehicles sales were up 1% from a year ago, including a 12% increase in sales of electric vehicles. The results followed those by rival General Motors Co.

Ford Motor lost its lead in electric vehicle sales to crosstown rival General Motors during the third quarter, as the automaker’s EV growth slowed.

Ford on Wednesday became the latest U.S. automaker to report weaker growth in domestic new vehicle sales in the third quarter, as buyers continued to shy away from purchases on affordability concerns.