Mazda Motor Europe has announced sales volumes of nearly 26,000 units in April and a projected market share of 1.7%.

Russia set an all-time record for volume in April, with sales up 196% over last April while Spain also recorded its best monthly result for volume, seeing sales increase by 23%.

New market share records were set in Greece, at 2.1%, and in Italy, at 0.9%, which equals the April market share record set last year in Italy.

Also recording outstanding results in April were Sweden, where sales jumped by 68% and in Denmark, which increased sales by 65% compared to last April.

"Our April sales held steady in tough market conditions across Europe, allowing us to start the new fiscal year on a good footing," says James Muir, vice president of sales for Mazda Motor Europe.

"We will definitely build on this success during the coming months as we roll out our new line-up of models including the new Mazda5, Mazda6 MPS and the third generation of the world’s most popular roadster the Mazda MX-5."