Bisnow had lunch with a small gathering of association executives this week and naturally the discussion veered to tech. (The world revolves around it, right?) Electric Drive Transportation Association president Brian Wynne says electric cars have been a huge disruptor of the auto industry. But there are some hurdles: how the industry contributes to the transportation infrastructure, tax incentives, and their sources of power. But he’s optimistic things will get ironed out simply because of how much love electric cars get from consumers. One perk is their torque, which is why he’s working on creating a worldwide sanctioned race with just electric cars.
Aerospace Industries Association CEO Marion Blakey, listening to former National Association of Manufacturers president Jerry Jasinowski, says her focus has been on drones. While the industry considers the technology exciting and disruptive, she says it has its detractors on Capitol Hill. People are fearful of privacy and weaponization. Other countries are leaping ahead. The European Commission has a goal of putting out regs on the introduction of drones in European air space by the end of this year. And Japan is already using them in agricultural. Congress has given the FAA until 2015 to offer regulations. Big thanks to Heidrick & Struggles and Smith & Wollensky for helping host this week's lunch.
