The folks at Just-Auto reports that Triumph is forecasting its profits will double this year on the strength of unofficial celebrity endorsements from the likes of Prince William and the Hollywood actor Tom Cruise.

The paper said a number of famous customers were creating a "halo effect". Prince William had been spotted riding a £7,000 Triumph Daytona 650, while the Formula One driver Michael Schumacher was another Triumph owner. Mantoni told the Daily Telegraph: "It definitely helps sales. Michael Schumacher has chosen to ride a Speed Triple. It's fantastic."

Actor Tom Cruise has bought the company's £11,000 Rocket III model, which has a 2.3-litre engine and a top speed "limited" by law to 150mph, the paper added.

Labels: Triumph