Aug 7 (Reuters) - Ford Motor ( F ) is delaying the

launch of two next-generation electric vehicles as it shifts its

focus to smaller and more affordable models, the company said on

Thursday.

The automaker said it recently informed suppliers that a

full-size electric pickup, scheduled for production at its

BlueOval City assembly plant in Tennessee, will be delayed from

2027 to 2028. In addition to this long-awaited successor to the

F-150 Lightning electric pickup, Ford also delayed production of

its E-transit van in Ohio from 2026 to 2028.

"F-150 Lightning, America's best-selling electric truck, and

E-Transit continue to meet today's customer needs," the company

said, adding that it "will be nimble in adjusting our product

launch timing to meet market needs and customer demand while

targeting improved profitability."

Automotive News earlier reported about the EV delays.

Chinese automakers have been driving down costs on electric

vehicle production and offering lower-cost models for shoppers.

In response to this pressure, Ford and other car companies are

focusing on producing affordable models on a streamlined

platform, with a focus on delivering smaller electric vehicles.

"The pure EV market in the U.S. seems to us very clear:

small vehicles used for commuting and around town," Ford CEO Jim

Farley told analysts on an earnings call last week.

Ford, which has faced costly quality issues and leads the

industry in recalls, previously projected losses of up to $5.5

billion in its electric vehicle and software operations for

2025.

Last year, the company scrapped plans for a three-row

electric SUV, with Farley later stating that larger EV models

are not the company's primary focus as it develops future

battery-powered vehicles. Ford is laying out plans for some of

its upcoming EV models and technology August 11 at an event in

Kentucky, Farley said.