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•June 28, 2018

Is it Time to Rethink How Drivers Are Paid?

With the ELD rule affecting miles driven, and drivers’ duties increasingly including more than just driving the vehicle, what can be done to more accurately and fairly reflect a driver’s workday?

Photo Galleries•by Chris Brown•May 22, 2018

Seen on the NAFA Show Floor

The expo hall at the annual NAFA Institute & Expo, held this year in Anaheim, Calif., provided an abundance of innovative products and services designed to create more efficient fleets.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•May 21, 2018

Whatever Happened to CNG?

While the light-duty market for compressed natural gas vehicles has almost evaporated, new near zero emissions technology and drastic reductions in infrastructure costs have reinvigorated the market for medium- and heavy-duty applications — even for smaller fleets.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•April 19, 2018

6 Takeaways from the 2018 International Car Rental Show

Technological solutions are finally moving from reality to theory, peer-to-peer platforms are being redefined, China has the biggest room for growth, while Sixt’s U.S. aspirations have only just begun.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•April 9, 2018

The Irony of Customer Service in the Digital Age

Sure, any company would jump at the chance to use technology to reduce labor costs. But it also comes with some big, red, flashing warning lights.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•March 19, 2018

Market Forces Driving Car Rental in 2018

An analysis of the conference calls of Avis Budget Group and Hertz Global Holdings reveal trends and initiatives involving fleet right sizing, pricing, ancillary revenue opportunities, and renting to ride-hailing drivers.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•March 14, 2018

Trends Moving the Truck Market

Storylines that emerged from the 2018 Work Truck Show include the increasing need for on-site productivity, inclusion of active safety systems in trucks, DPF frustrations affecting product decisions, data management, and the growing link between fleet management and company revenue.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•March 3, 2018

MIT Study Reinforces the Newfound Importance of Fleet

Uber and Lyft drivers make far less when factoring vehicle expenses, though the actual numbers are now in dispute. A proper lifecycle cost analysis would’ve helped, and shows the benefit of collaboration with fleet professionals.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•February 14, 2018

What a Connected Fleet Means to Avis (and Car Rental)

Counter bypass is just the beginning. The promise of a “data-driven ecosystem” that connects renters with the rental agency, retail services, and even the city is a better managed fleet, an improved user experience, and new revenue opportunities during the rental itself.

Auto Focus•by Chris Brown•January 31, 2018

Should Peer-to-Peer Renters Pay Airport Car Rental Fees?

The question is central to the City of San Francisco’s lawsuit against Turo for operating without a permit at San Francisco International Airport.

Prev Next