Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

Four speakers on stage at a seminar.
Articlesby Chris BrownSeptember 16, 2025

Fleet Managers’ Roundtable: Tackling Tariffs, Safety, and the Next Generation of Fleet

Four veteran fleet leaders explain how they are navigating rising costs, improving driver safety, and preparing the industry for what’s ahead.

Read More →
The caption "EV Incentives Sunsetting September 30th" in blue is laid out over two overlaying transparent images of a charging electric vehicle and a map of the West Coast.
Articlesby Chris BrownSeptember 9, 2025

EV Incentives Outlook by State

While federal incentives for electric vehicles are set to sunset on September 30, states such as California, Massachusetts, Oregon, New Jersey, and New York have announced new programs for fleets and new funding for existing ones.

Read More →
Two people pose with a sign symbolizing Viaduct's partnership with SRI.
Newsby Chris BrownSeptember 8, 2025

Sumitomo Rubber Industries to Acquire Viaduct

Viaduct will join Sumitomo as an independent subsidiary. Partnership strengthens global reach and accelerates AI-driven innovation for fleets and manufacturing.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two people in suits point at a laptop displaying data and pie charts.
Articlesby Chris BrownSeptember 7, 2025

How Maintenance Costs Affect Fleet Replacement

A scenario analysis of maintenance-only forecasts shows how mileage-based events can drive TCO volatility.

Read More →
“A large cargo ship loaded with colorful shipping containers docked at a port, with cranes in the background. Bold headline text over the image reads: ‘Fleet Takes: Tariffs Are a Waiting Game.’”
FleetTakesby Chris BrownSeptember 4, 2025

Tariffs and Fleets: Where’s the Pain?

Suppliers are absorbing most of the costs for now. But that may not last.

Read More →
overhead shot of cars in parking lot with text.
Articlesby Chris BrownSeptember 3, 2025

What Do Fleet Managers Say About Their FMCs?

This informal survey offers a snapshot into how fleet managers rate their fleet management companies across services. strategy, and satisfaction.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic promoting Fleet Forward: The Tour speaker roundup, featuring headshots of 10 confirmed speakers with their names and companies, scheduled for September 9, 2025, in Somerset, NJ.
Newsby Chris BrownSeptember 2, 2025

Fleet Forward Tour Hits Somerset, NJ, Sept. 9: Why This Gathering Matters Now

With EV incentives expiring, tariffs looming, and costs rising, the Somerset stop presents fleet managers with a timely opportunity to learn, connect, and take action.

Read More →
title card with speaker photos.
Videosby Chris BrownAugust 28, 2025

Geotab at 25: Neil Cawse Gets Candid on Growth, Disruption, and the Next Era of Telematics

Geotab’s founder and CEO reflects on the company’s path, sharing early struggles, breakthrough wins, his succession plan, and how disruption will continue to transform fleet telematics.

Read More →
A full photo of a Silverado electric pickup rests in a stone garage with the McKinstry logo on its left side.
Articlesby Chris BrownAugust 19, 2025

McKinstry Puts Electric Pickups to the Test as Daily Jobsite Workhorses

By deploying more than 100 electric vehicles — including fully upfitted Silverado EV pickups — in demanding construction and service roles, the Seattle-based builder is showing how electrification can work beyond pilot programs when matched carefully to duty cycles, infrastructure, and driver readiness.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue graphic entitled "Fleet Voices on Winning RFPs" featuring headshots and titles of six fleet industry professionals.
Articlesby Chris BrownAugust 18, 2025

The Smart Fleet RFP, Part 2: From Planning to Execution

This second article details how to execute the RFP using four guiding principles: clarity, formatting, precision, and standardization.

Read More →