 British Leyland announced the end of Austin Maxi production in July 1981, 12 years after the car first went on sale.There was no direct successor, although a new family hatchback – first planned towards the end of the 1970s – would be launched by early 1983.Meanwhile, British Leyland enjoyed success with its new Metro compact hatchback as Lady Diana Spencer bought 1 prior to her marriage to Prince Charles.