VeloRUSH VeloPOINT Motorsports Magazine Fall 2013 | Page 56

WHAT IS THE LIGHT ELECTRIC VEHICLE ASSOCIATION? The Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA) represents the strategic interests of light electric vehicle retailers, dealers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers to promote the development, sale, and use of LEVs worldwide. Members receive support and educational resources to expand their businesses while initiating efforts to influence and adopt legislation, regulation, performance standards, promotion and general best practices in the light electric vehicle industry. LEVA MISSION STATEMENT The Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA) represents the strategic interests of light electric vehicle retailers, dealers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers to promote the development, sale, and use of LEVs worldwide. Members receive support and educational resources to expand their businesses while initiating efforts to influence and adopt legislation, regulation, performance standards, promotion and general best practices in the light electric vehicle industry. We also partner with the European TwoWheeler Retailers’ Association for EU regulations and lobbying (www.etra-eu.com). HISTORY The LEVA existed informally from June 2008 until May 2009. Industry expert, Ed Benjamin, saw a need for people in the LEV industry to work together to promote their industry. He decided to create a viable and important organization that would respond to the needs of its members and become the voice of the global LEV industry. Over the past two years, the LEVA has grown to over 200 members from 28 countries. Benjamin hired Sid Kuropchak in Nov