A RETURN of the feel-good factor to Britain is driving new orders for BMW. The surge has left the company's UK subsidiary struggling with its longest waiting lists for six years - and prompted officials to launch a search for possible extra supplies from other markets.

'We just can't get sufficient cars to meet demand. Britain's prestige segment is showing exceptional strength and I am sure we will see significant growth this year,' said BMW (GB) managing director Kevin Gaskell.

'Clearly, the driving force behind this business is the feel-good factor. However, the last thing I want is disappointed customers, so I'm doing my best to divert any supply which is not being taken up by other markets into Britain.'