US-based engineering services provider and technology integrator LHP Engineering Solutions has developed the new Functional Safety Expressway (FSXpressway) in response to the latest safety-critical regulations (ISO 26262).

The regulations are set to impact the design and development of all on-highway vehicles, including trucks, buses, and motorcycles next year.

Developed by LHP Functional Safety solutions architect Steve Neemeh, FSXpressway focuses on engaging both small and large multinationals firms to execute functional safety projects and refine compliance processes.

Neemeh said: “For small organisations, safety standards and regulations can be hard to adopt. The guidelines are confusing, and most companies need guidance.

“Being ready to implement functional safety, however, doesn’t have to take years, it can be staged and rolled out strategically for the benefit of the business.”

“We now have a competitive advantage in the marketplace and can grow as the regulations change to cover the expanding vehicle markets.”

Rinehart Motion Systems (RMS) is reported to be one of the earliest adopters of the LHP’s new system.

The company manufactures propulsion inverters and ancillary power electronics assemblies for electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV).

RMS stated: “We couldn’t have done it without LHP’s help. We now have a competitive advantage in the marketplace and can grow as the regulations change to cover the expanding vehicle markets.”

With the changing standard and strict regulations in place affecting passenger vehicles, the ISO 26262 standard is said to be a barrier to entry if companies in the emerging vehicle markets fail to comply.

In a bid to address this, RMS founder and president Larry Rinehart decided to amend the company’s structure and processes to be able to meet the demands of the new market.