Gary Presland

Gary Presland is an Australian archaeologist and writer who studied history at La Trobe University 1973-76, and archaeology at the University of London, 1977-79. He was a staff member of the Victoria Archaeological Survey from 1983 to April 1988; his research interests are in the Aboriginal and natural history of Melbourne. One important contribution was the transcription and editing of the unpublished journals of George Augustus Robinson, Chief Protector of Aborigines in the Port Phillip District, 1839-1849. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Melbourne in 2005, for his reconstruction of the pre-European natural history of Melbourne.

Presland was the Thomas Ramsay Science and Humanities Fellow at Museum Victoria in 2001. Presland has been involved in the Archaeological and Anthropological Society ofthroughout the US, Europe and Asia from early 2013.

Full details of the Surf are still to be divulged, but Fisker Automotive has confirmed it is based on the Karma and will have a range-extending plug-in hybrid powertrain “much like” its luxury sedan stablemate, which recently entered production in Finland by contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive.

The Karma convertible is due to reach the assembly line in 2013 – more than four years after its unveiling at the Detroit motor show in January 2009 – while overseas reports place the Surf’s launch as early as the final quarter of next year.

“Focusing on the company’s philosophy of delivering pure driving passion, the new Fisker Surf is an electric vehicle with extended range much like its stablemate, the stylish Fisker Karma four-door luxury