Chris Brown, executive editor of Business Fleet, Auto Rental News, and Fleet Forward, offers his perspective on fleets, auto rental, and the new mobility ecosystem. Along with related publications and online newsletters, Chris produces the International Car Rental Show and the Fleet Forward Conference. Chris is relied on as an industry resource in matters by major media outlets such as the Washington Post, New York Times, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and National Public Radio.
The money for the 2019 Atlanta Jazz Festival is appropriated from a car rental tax under the premise of “a downturn in the economy” and a decrease in sponsorships, though neither seems to be the case.
While the U.S. car rental market hit a new revenue record of $30 billion in 2018, there are a few items on the industry’s “to-do list” to best position itself for the future of transportation.
From bypassing the rental counter to new ancillary sales opportunities, a completely connected rental fleet will transform the traditional rental model. And it can’t come soon enough.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the long path to the passage of the car rental excise tax amendment in the FAA reauthorization.
Most attendees — from established fleets and vendors to new players that were only formed five years ago — didn’t know anyone. But that’s exactly the point.
With cities constricting parking and now charging for use of loading zones — while fewer spaces are being built overall — fleet operators must view parking as dynamic to alleviate rising costs.
When we’re in the middle of a hype maelstrom, it’s hard to separate the fads from the revolutions. Fleets don’t need to be first adopters, but those forming their strategies now will able to take advantage of the truly transformative solutions.
While vehicle subscription programs are still finding their footing, traditional car rental may be better suited than others already in the space to roll out a profitable program.
Per new regulations, if you operate a fleet in California and you’re using drivers on a contractual basis, be prepared to make fundamental changes to your business.
You could call it a glorified livery-slash-rental service — or you could see it as a step toward what an autonomous shuttle system might look like.
Hertz and Avis Budget Group are working on process initiatives that purport to improve pricing, reduce shuttling expense, collect more ancillary revenue, and take on ride hailing.
These days, it’s not easy to be in fleet.
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.
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.
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.
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