May 23, 2013
Now more than ever, the fleet manager is tasked with harnessing large amounts of data and turning the findings into actionable results. With so much technology driving so much information, the responsibility and burden are now greater than ever.
Tags: telematics, fleet management, technology
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Thursday, May 23, 2013 12:00 AM
May 16, 2013
Amid new products such as the light-duty pickups, the 2014 Impala, the Cruze diesel and the announcement of a new small cargo van, it’s the one-on-one attention that sticks with you.
Tags: Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, GM, General Motors, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Spark EV, Chevrolet City Express, Chevrolet Cruze diesel
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Thursday, May 16, 2013 12:00 AM
May 8, 2013
At its annual fleet preview, Volkswagen talked fleet sales, residual strategies, product lineup, three new turbo engines and how diesel can help your costs (but not your heart rate).
Tags: diesel, Volkswagen, electric vehicle, turbocharging, VW
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Wednesday, May 8, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(2)
May 2, 2013
Coda Automotive’s bankruptcy is not surprising, though it was surprising that the company was able to play off the good intentions of the green industry for as long as it did.
Tags: Coda Automotive, bankruptcy, electric vehicles
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Thursday, May 2, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
April 29, 2013
The new Hertz franchisee is bringing to car rental a focus on facilities and employee practices, while Penske dealerships will get a stable source of low-mileage used vehicles.
Tags: Penske, Hertz, Car Rental Show
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Monday, April 29, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
April 18, 2013
As I settle back at my desk, here are a few thoughts on corporate culture, ACRA, the global community, franchising, independents and a “sane” car rental market.
Tags: Penske, franchises, ACRA, Car Rental Show, Russell Bruno Award
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Thursday, April 18, 2013 12:00 AM
April 8, 2013
This year’s show is highlighted by a new hotel, an anniversary toast, some special guests and seminars for newcomers and exhibitors only.
Tags: Car Rental Show
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Monday, April 8, 2013 12:00 AM
April 2, 2013
If you don’t think unsecured loads in pickups and trailers are a national problem, some new data from NHTSA, Maria Federici’s story and a disturbing video will make you think otherwise.
Tags: FMCSA, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, , Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, , Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Tuesday, April 2, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(2)
March 25, 2013
Consumers should be aware of the many forces at work that affect rental car rates.
Tags: pricing, Hertz, rental rates, Dollar Thrifty
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Monday, March 25, 2013 12:00 AM
March 20, 2013
Warning, you have to be a big fan of college basketball to get some of these.
Tags: fleet management
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Wednesday, March 20, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
March 11, 2013
At the Conference of Automotive Remarketing last week, technology, transparency and multi-platform selling took center stage.
Tags: remarketing, technology, used vehicle sales, used car prices, Conference of Automotive Remarketing,
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Monday, March 11, 2013 12:00 AM
March 4, 2013
The two U.S. public car rental companies both report gains in pricing — finally — though they present different views on the cost scenario for 2013.
Tags: pricing, Hertz, Avis Budget Group, rental rates, financial report
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Monday, March 4, 2013 12:00 AM
February 25, 2013
One car rental sage reaches into his past for words of wisdom and connects it to the present and future.
Tags: ACRA, Anniversary, American Car Rental Association, Michael LaPlaca
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Monday, February 25, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
February 21, 2013
If you’re hauling a lot of tools for your contracting business, dump your pickup and consider this type of custom-built rolling toolbox.
Tags: Spec'ing, Trailers, tools
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Thursday, February 21, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
February 13, 2013
No counter and a streamlined process are the silver linings in this playbook. But will it work with only one rental model, an Audi A4?
Tags: airport rentals, conrac, Dallas, Silvercar
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Wednesday, February 13, 2013 12:00 AM
February 5, 2013
Some say the renter is already privileged to drive the rental vehicle. But self-regulation could offer a buffer against legislative overreaction.
Tags: Legislation, regulation, damage claims
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Tuesday, February 5, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
January 30, 2013
Merchants now have the ability to do so. But for most, it’s not a good idea.
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Wednesday, January 30, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
January 16, 2013
Facebook, Google and Microsoft Xbox are changing the way we buy cars — and how businesses interact with their customers in general.
Tags: Facebook, Google, Web marketing, social media, smartphone, tablet, mobile website, social media marketing
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Wednesday, January 16, 2013 12:00 AM
January 10, 2013
Small businesses that run work vehicles often don’t even know they’re “a fleet” — and they’re leaving money on the table.
Tags: managing small fleets, incentives, small business owner, Fleet 101
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Thursday, January 10, 2013 12:00 AM
January 2, 2013
The Avis offer for Zipcar was inevitable. But is it good?
Tags: Zipcar, car sharing, Avis Budget Group, Hertz On Demand
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Wednesday, January 2, 2013 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
December 26, 2012
Auto-related businesses in this town feel like they’re being unfairly discriminated against by their zoning board. But what can they do?
Tags: zoning, dealerships, New Hampshire
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Wednesday, December 26, 2012 12:00 AM | » Comments(2)
December 19, 2012
Nostalgia is a seductive liar.
Tags: vicarious liability, ACRA, collision damage waiver, American Car Rental Association, CDW
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Wednesday, December 19, 2012 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
December 5, 2012
Lincoln’s global brand chief reveals the luxury brand’s new target audience and how it will reach them.
Tags: Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln Motor Co.
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Wednesday, December 5, 2012 12:00 AM
December 3, 2012
This year’s press conferences showcased a diesel invasion, more affordable all-electric models, new types of car connectivity, the latest option must-haves and some serious power.
Tags: LA Auto Show
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Monday, December 3, 2012 12:00 AM
November 27, 2012
As fleet sales and the used car market finally get back to normal, the land rush for vacated airport locations will produce a ground war on rates.
Tags: Federal Trade Commission, Hertz, Avis Budget Group, U-Save, rental rates, Advantage Rent A Car, Sixt, FTC, FSNA, merger, Fox Rent-A-Car, Franchise Services North America, Macquarie Capital
Author: Chris Brown | Posted @ Tuesday, November 27, 2012 12:00 AM | » Comments(1)
Executive Editor
Chris Brown is the executive editor of Business Fleet Magazine and Auto Rental News for Bobit Business Media. Through these publications, online newsletters, trade events and associations, Chris covers all aspects of the fleet world, including fleet management, manufacturer fleet activities, the fleet leasing industry, vehicle remarketing, rental industry news, car rental taxation and legislation as well as automotive environmental initiatives and trends.
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