U.S. auto sales are projected to grow at a weaker pace in the third quarter from a year earlier, according to industry experts, as inflationary headwinds continue to push consumers away from considering new vehicles.

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 sold 504,039 vehicles in the July-through-September quarter, up 0.7%, compared to last year's 500,504 vehicles. Hybrid sales grew by 38%, and EVs were up 12%, while gas- and diesel-fueled vehicles that account for 86% of the automaker's sales fell by 2.