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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.

plane, palm trees, car rental sign

News•by Chris Brown•September 15, 2026

Palm Beach Airport Code Change Creates Car Rental Distribution Gap

A test of rental searches under the old PBI and new DJT airport codes returned largely different sets of brands and vehicles, highlighting a potential distribution problem for rental operators.

thumbnail of Chris Brown and Mike DeLorenzo with title Time to Rethink Rental Categories?

Videos•by Chris Brown•September 8, 2026

Is It Time to Rethink Rental Categories?

As traditional economy and compact cars disappear from the market, longtime rental operator Mike DeLorenzo asks whether the industry’s familiar vehicle categories still make sense — and what operators need to rethink along with them.

two fingers separate by an inch with text "your room for error."

Digital Cover Features•by Chris Brown•September 1, 2026

Three Years Later, Car Rental Has a Smaller Margin for Error

In my return to writing about the day-to-day challenges of car rental, I have a few observations about shrinking vehicle mix, changing customer base, and the incessant hunt for new efficiencies.

ADA legal manual and key exchange

News•by Chris Brown•August 31, 2026

Hertz Settlement Expands Hand-Control Rental Vehicle Availability

A court-approved ADA settlement requires Hertz to add dedicated hand-control minivans, expand reservation access, and, when necessary, offer the least expensive vehicle capable of accepting hand controls.

U.S. and Canadian flags and sign that says tariffs ahead

Auto Rental Focus•by Chris Brown•August 30, 2026

What New Tariff Uncertainty Means for Rental Fleet Planning

Automakers won’t relocate production overnight, but uncertainty over Canadian tariffs could affect vehicle pricing, sourcing, and allocation well before the proposed Jan. 1 deadline.

ride hailing driver on left, car rental driver on right

Articles•by Chris Brown•August 30, 2026

Which Is Cheaper, Ride-Hailing or Car Rental?

An Amex GBT comparison of airport trips in 10 U.S. cities found that rental was the clear winner for some one-day trips. But trip length, parking, fuel, and the number of local journeys can change the calculation.

Bobby Klyce in memoriam image

News•by Chris Brown•August 13, 2026

In Memoriam: Bobby Klyce, Avis Licensee Legend

The longtime Birmingham Avis operator and 2018 Auto Rental News Impact Award recipient was remembered as an advocate for independent licensees and the broader car rental industry.

car being sold with text rental fleet market perspective

Articles•by Chris Brown•August 12, 2026

Rental Vehicle Orders Remain Steady Amid Supply Concerns

With Hyundai’s South Korean strike creating uncertainty for 2027-model-year deliveries, Mike Muehlenfeld of Walser Automotive Group says rental operators are maintaining normal purchasing levels and generating strong returns at disposal.

Rental fleet sales year over year through August

News•by Chris Brown•August 4, 2026

Rental Fleet Sales Down 4.1% Through August 2026

Rental fleet sales remained below 2025 levels through August, while combined commercial, rental, and government fleet sales were nearly flat year over year.

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.