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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.

two fingers separate by an inch with text "your room for error."
Digital Cover Featuresby Chris BrownSeptember 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.

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ADA legal manual and key exchange
Newsby Chris BrownAugust 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.

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U.S. and Canadian flags and sign that says tariffs ahead
Auto Rental Focusby Chris BrownAugust 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.

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ride hailing driver on left, car rental driver on right
Articlesby Chris BrownAugust 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.

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Bobby Klyce in memoriam image
Newsby Chris BrownAugust 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.

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car being sold with text rental fleet market perspective
Articlesby Chris BrownAugust 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.

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Rental fleet sales year over year through August
Newsby Chris BrownAugust 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.

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Gavel with text: Colorado: $3 rental fee upheld
Newsby Chris BrownAugust 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.

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Car rental sign with financial graph in background
Newsby Chris BrownAugust 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.

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Newsby Chris BrownJuly 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.

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