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.

FleetTakes•by Chris Brown•July 21, 2026

What Separates Great Fleet Managers From Everyone Else?

What do Visionary candidates with fewer than 10 years of experience have in common with Hall of Fame nominees with a lifetime under their belts?

News•by Chris Brown•July 21, 2026

Why the IRS Raised Its Mileage Rate in the Middle of 2026

Fuel-price volatility drove the rare increase to 76 cents per mile, the fifth midyear adjustment since 2000.

A car dealership with added inscription "Every fleet vehicle eventually becomes local."

Articles•by Chris Brown•July 15, 2026

Your Local Dealer Knows More Than You Think

Your local dealer can provide an information advantage that extends well beyond courtesy deliveries.

Title card with Reed Jackson: The Fleet Analyst is the new Strategic Position

Videos•by Chris Brown•July 14, 2026

Why Fleets Are Creating Dedicated Fleet Analyst Positions

Telematics, AI, EVs, and connected technologies are generating more fleet data than traditional teams can effectively manage. Reed Jackson explains why dedicated fleet analytics roles are emerging to turn that information into better operational decisions.

Videos•by Chris Brown•July 14, 2026

First Look: Slate Auto's Electric Fleet Pickup

Could an affordable, modular EV pickup make electrification more practical for fleets?

Photo of Team Brown building soap box derby

Videos•by Chris Brown•July 13, 2026

Soap Box Derby Challenge: What’s Powering Team Brown

The car is coming together, the students are solving real build problems, and the fleet industry is helping push Team Brown toward the starting line.

Two Fiat Topolino models shown on a bluff.

News•by Chris Brown•July 9, 2026

What Should We Make of the Fiat Topolino?

This atypical low-speed vehicle is coming to the U.S. It's smaller than a Smart Fortwo and starts at $13,995.

Articles•by Chris Brown•July 8, 2026

Deleting Driver Data Is No Longer Enough in Connected Vehicles

A factory reset may erase what's stored inside a vehicle, but it doesn't always end a former driver's digital connection. Here's how fleets can make digital offboarding part of every vehicle transition to reduce privacy, security, and compliance risks.

IIHS HLDI text overlaid on the trunks of pick up trucks.

Articles•by Chris Brown•July 2, 2026

IIHS Launches First Commercial Vehicle Safety Evaluations

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has begun evaluating heavy-duty pickups and cargo vans for driver protection. Which models earned top marks?

Syneos interviewee with How Pharma Fleets Use AI to Save text overlay

Videos•by Chris Brown•July 2, 2026

How AI Can Help Fleet Managers Build Their Own Solutions

Syneos Health Fleet Manager Kristin Leary is exploring how AI-powered development tools, telematics data, and predictive analytics could help fleets solve operational challenges without waiting for a vendor roadmap.

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