Leyland denies replacement for Austin models

British Leyland yesterday denied persistent reports that they are to replace the long-running 1100/1300 Austin range with a new car to be launched in the spring. Mr Filmer Paradise. director of sales for the Austin-Morrris group, said: "I can tell you this is completely untrue. They will continue in production for a number of years from next spring whatever additional new models we may be introducing around that time."

Austin-Morris is known to -be in the pre-production stage at its Longbridge, Birmingham, plant with a new model code-named the ADO67 which will be sold through the Austin dealer network. The Morris Marina-introduced 16 months ago, is now the group's best seller, replacing the 1100/1300 whose sales have dropped. Austin dealers unable to share in the Marina's success are in urgent need of a new model.