Mazda Motor Europe sales increased by 3% to 23,450 in April compared to the same month last year.

Two markets had record sales in April, led once again by Russia, with a new record volume of 4,300 units, up 66% year-on-year. For the third month in a row, Portugal equalled its highest market share ever (set in February this year), predicted to be 1.9% based on a volume of 400 units, which is up 14.6% versus last April.

In Spain, Mazda sold 1,350 units last month, which represents the third highest April volume in the company’s history.

New car sales decreased in the UK by 9.3%, to 3,265 units in April compared to 3,600 units over the same period last year.

The Japanese manufacturer said it achieved excellent year-on-year sales increases in six other countries, including Mazda’s newest national sales company, Mazda Belux (Belgium + Luxembourg), which was up 59% with a volume of 482 units.

In Ireland, Mazda sales were up for the fourth consecutive month this year, increasing by 46% based on a volume of 389 units, and in Switzerland sales were up 36% with a volume of 702 units.

Norway also had an outstanding month, increasing sales by 34%, with a volume of 360 units and Sweden was up 24% year-on-year with a volume of 408 units in April.