04:48 19-04-2026

Toyota and Mitsubishi Renew Trademarks in Russia

Japanese carmakers Toyota and Mitsubishi are continuing to maintain a presence in Russia’s 2026 automotive market despite suspended operations.

The companies have registered new trademarks for a 10-year term. Toyota has secured the names GR86, GT86, BZ and Century, while Mitsubishi has registered RalliArt and Grandis. All of them were filed under the vehicle and automotive component class, allowing the companies to retain the rights to use those names, TASS reports.

Formally, this is a legal procedure aimed at protecting intellectual property. Still, moves like this are often seen as a sign of a possible return or, at the very least, a desire to keep future options open. The backdrop is the exit of automakers from the Russian market in 2022 amid sanctions and logistics problems. Since then, many brands have taken a wait-and-see approach without fully closing the door on a resumption of operations.

Trademark registration is a standard practice for international companies, helping them avoid losing a brand in a specific market and preserve strategic flexibility. For now, it does not point to an imminent return, but it does suggest long-term interest in the market. Major automotive groups rarely take such steps without considering the future. Everything will depend on the geopolitical situation and economic conditions.