Mazda Sales in Russia Surge Sixfold in 2026, Driven by CX-5 Model

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Mazda new car sales in Russia increased by over 500% in the first nine months of 2026, with the CX-5 accounting for more than 90% of registrations amid alternative import schemes and competitive pricing.

In the first nine months of 2026, Mazda's new vehicle sales in Russia experienced a remarkable increase of 512% compared to the same period in the previous year. According to registration data reported by iXBT, a total of 21,218 Mazda vehicles were registered in Russia, a significant rise from 3,465 units recorded in the same timeframe last year.

The surge in sales is predominantly attributed to the Mazda CX-5 crossover model, which accounted for 19,631 units sold, making up more than 90% of all Mazda registrations in the country. This robust demand for the CX-5 is explained by Sergey Tselikov, head of the automotive analytics firm Avtostat, who points to the model's comparatively affordable price. This pricing advantage stems from the vehicles being assembled in China and the application of preferential recycling fee rates, which reduce ownership costs.

It is important to note that Mazda vehicles currently enter the Russian market via alternative import schemes since the company officially does not supply cars to Russia at this time. Nevertheless, Mazda supports a dedicated service infrastructure and availability of spare parts through a special brand named MZD, ensuring aftersales service continuity for Russian customers.

This market development reflects a notable shift in Russian automobile sales dynamics, highlighting how alternative import routes and competitive pricing can significantly influence brand penetration. While the overall presence of Mazda in Russia remains through unofficial channels, the strong preference for the CX-5 model indicates consumer demand for reliable and cost-effective crossovers persists in the country.

The data available does not specify other Mazda models' sales figures, but the dominance of the CX-5 illustrates clear market trends favoring compact SUVs. Future developments may depend on how official supply and import regulations evolve and whether Mazda resumes direct sales to Russia.