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May 13-15, 2026 | Grapevine, Tx

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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.

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. Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and National Public Radio.

Bar chart comparing 2026 to 2025 rental fleet sales

News•by Chris Brown•August 4, 2026

Rental Fleet Sales Decline 4.2% in 2026 Through July

Rental car sales fell 18% from a year earlier, while truck and SUV volume edged higher as rental operators took a more restrained approach to fleet purchasing.

Gavel with text: Colorado: $3 rental fee upheld

News•by Chris Brown•August 3, 2026

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Colorado’s $3 Rental Car Fee

In a case brought by the American Car Rental Association on behalf of the rental industry, the 10th Circuit ruled that Colorado’s congestion impact fee falls on renters — not rental companies — and can remain in effect.

Car rental sign with financial graph in background

News•by Chris Brown•August 2, 2026

Avis Cuts Fleet as Summer Demand Trails Expectations

Avis Budget Group increased second-quarter earnings despite lower Americas revenue and softer-than-expected summer demand. The company also expanded Avis First and advanced its autonomous fleet operations with Waymo.

News•by Chris Brown•July 31, 2026

This Is the Oldest Car Rental Advertisement You’ll Ever See

This ad for Saunders Drive it Yourself, believed to be the first car rental company in the U.S., was found in an Omaha phone book from 1926.

Chris Brown in casual setting

Auto Rental Focus•by Chris Brown•July 22, 2026

I'm Back

Life moves forward, as it inevitably does, but it sometimes seems to move in circles too. You end up in a different place, but you never close a door. Because you may walk back through it again.

Obituary image of Mike Antich.

News•by Chris Brown•December 23, 2025

In Memoriam: Mike Antich, Fleet Industry Icon

A longtime writer, publisher, association leader, and industry architect, Antich helped form the modern fleet profession for over four decades.

Videos•by Chris Brown•August 19, 2025

China's Growing EV Rental Market [ICRS Interview Series]

Richard Lowden, founder and CEO of Green Motion International and president of U-Save Car and Truck Rental, elaborates on this breakfast keynote at most recent ICRS.

Videos•by Chris Brown•July 23, 2025

Planning Fleets For Flexible Rental Operations [ICRS Interview Series]

Solomon Cramer, president at Avis Rent-A-Car of Central Pennsylvania and North Central New Jersey, shares insights in this video about running rental cars in challenging market environments.

Videos•by Chris Brown•July 8, 2025

Car Rental Industry Legislation That Got Results [ICRS Interview Series]

ACRA President Sharky Laguana details his harrowing experience trying to retrieve a stolen rental van from his fleet and how he pursued a long-term solution.

Videos•by Chris Brown•June 25, 2025

Balancing a Business With Industry Advocacy [ICRS Interview Series]

Sharon Faulkner, who recently stepped down as executive director of the American Car Rental Association for a new role, explains why rental car operators should find the time to support regulatory policies and approaches that benefit all businesses.