When Devon House's parking lot can't accommodate all the guests, you know your event is a big one.

And it should be if you were unveiling one of the most anticipated new vehicles of the year. Toyota Jamaica officially launched the 2010 Land Cruiser Prado on Thursday, November 5. The glitzy, but crowded affair required some non-VIP guests to park at the nearby Liberty Academy and either shuttle or walk back to the venue. The fact that they kept coming, however, underlines the popularity of the Toyota brand and specifically the Prado.

As the speakers blared the late Michael Jackson's Thriller, the covering that had hid two of the automobiles was slowly raised to reveal the machines hidden underneath. Two others were driven to another part of the lawn. Prado-lovers and general car enthusiasts literally crowded the vehicles even before they got the OK to do so. Photographers had a tough time getting snapshots of the SUVs, but the patrons didn't notice. They were way too busy checking out the features.

Guests out included Michael Stern, Kent LaCroix, Gladstone Neil, Horace Bogues, Marjorie Boroughs, Neville Blythe, Earl Samuels, Audrey Tugwell-Henry, Brian Schmidt, Mark Lalor, Chris Reckord, Leighton McKnight, Tarun Handa and Donnie Bunting.

daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com


Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Yamaguchi (left) searches for one of his cards to give to Toyota Jamaica Managing Director John Connell at the new Prado launch. Looking on is Yoko Yamaguchi, wife of the ambassador.

House Speaker Delroy Chuck (right) admits to Toyota Jamaica Managing Director John Connell that he is a Prado fan and is out to see the new one.

Toyota Jamaica Managing Director John Connell (left) jokes with Junior Roman at the launch of the new Prado.