Driving innovation in commercial vehicles from Federal Way to global roads | Letter

Driving innovation in commercial vehicles from Federal Way to global roads

As a Federal Way resident and engineering executive, I’ve spent the past 3 years helping shape the technologies that power the commercial vehicles we rely on every day—from delivery trucks and transit buses to long-haul freight carriers.

My work has focused on developing chassis and cabin pneumatic valves that improve safety, reliability, and efficiency across global fleets. At IMI Norgren, I led the creation of a technical center in Federal way that accelerated product development and helped secure major partnerships with OEMs in the commercial vehicle space. These innovations have supported smarter and efficient chassis pneumatic systems and more resilient supply chains.

In the early part of my 15 years of career, I helped launch airbag control units and crash sensors at ZF Group and led heavy duty truck compressor development at Bendix commercial vehicle systems —projects that now serve millions of vehicles across North America, Europe and Asia. Whether it’s reducing downtime for fleet operators or enhancing driver protection, I’ve always believed that engineering should serve real-world needs.

But behind every breakthrough is a team. I have mentored engineers across continents, guided cross-functional launches, and collaborated with suppliers to meet the rigorous demands of commercial mobility. These experiences have taught me that progress is built on trust, clarity, and shared purpose.

As I continue pursuing executive leadership in program management and technical center direction, I remain committed to shaping the future of commercial transportation — right here from Federal Way. Our community has the talent and vision to be a hub for mobility innovation, and I’m proud to be part of that journey.

Tushar Prakash Honrao,

Federal Way