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Chris Brown

Associate Publisher

As associate publisher of Automotive Fleet, Auto Rental News, and Fleet Forward, Chris Brown covers all aspects of fleets, transportation, and mobility. Chris produces and emcees the annual International Car Rental Show, the largest event serving the auto rental industry worldwide. Chris also created and produces the Fleet Forward Conference along with regional Tour stops, the Fleet Safety Conference, and DeliveryCon, for the last-mile delivery fleet market.

Chris has won publishing awards for editorial excellence including a Jesse H. Neal Award, three Folio: Eddie Awards, and three Maggie Awards. As an internationally recognized expert on fleets, auto rental and mobility, Chris has spoken at industry events in the U.S., Brazil, Ireland, and China. He has appeared on Good Morning America and has been sourced and quoted in national media such as Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and National Public Radio.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•May 19, 2014

In Search of the “Real” MPG

How come my fuel economy doesn't match the new car sticker? A new, real-world test shows how much road type, traffic level and driving style affect individual vehicle’s mpg performance in ways the EPA test does not.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•May 12, 2014

Avis Price Boost a Good Sign for Industry?

On its first quarter earnings call, Avis Budget Group shed light on price increases, acquisitions, the used car market and where the growth is with ancillary sales.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•May 2, 2014

Seeking the CNG Holy Grail

Some potential technological breakthroughs may be game changers in accelerating the implementation of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•April 23, 2014

A Call for Recall Preparedness

In light of the massive recent automotive recalls, car rental companies should prepare for the Big One by acting out a “recall fire drill.”

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•April 14, 2014

What I Learned at the 2014 Car Rental Show

If the Car Rental Show is an indicator of the health of the industry, the North American market is doing well — while the "growth markets" are really taking off.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•April 4, 2014

Remembering Elaine Litwer

On the fifth anniversary of Elaine Litwer’s death, I’m brought back to the work she did to repeal vicarious liability. But it’s also caused me to reflect on the mentors in my life.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•March 26, 2014

6 Market Predictors for 2014

In their fourth quarter conference calls, Avis Budget Group and Hertz gave an outlook on fleet costs, the used car market, fleet optimization strategies and potential acquisitions. Hertz shed light on the fallout from that excess fleet.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•March 18, 2014

6 Game Changers for Work Trucks

At NTEA’s 2014 Work Truck Show, manufacturers, conversion companies and parts manufacturers introduced advances in work vehicles along with better ways to produce them.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•March 12, 2014

The Missed Story behind RelayRides’ Suspension in New York

RelayRides must cease operations in New York State because it violated insurance law. But is it the legal gray area or the model itself that kept the service from growing?

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•March 4, 2014

Longer Hold Times — Lower Costs?

Running your fleet vehicles longer isn't always the most cost-effective choice.