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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.

collage of conference speakers
Articlesby Chris BrownApril 30, 2026

CAR 2026 Recap Part 2: Closing the Gap Between Data & Remarketing Value

The second half of CAR 2026 examined how fleets can translate lifecycle strategy, vehicle data, and market shifts into higher real-world results.

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An Automotive Fleet State of the Fleet Industry template describing fleet revenue in 2026.
Videosby Chris BrownApril 29, 2026

Matt Dyer Says Fleet Is Now a Revenue Driver — What Does That Mean for 2026?

As costs and complexity escalate, Merchants Fleet’s CEO outlines how fleets must rethink uptime and TCO to drive business performance.

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Collage of CAR speakers
Articlesby Chris BrownApril 27, 2026

CAR2026 in Two Words: Velocity, Value (Part 1)

The 2026 Conference of Automotive Remarketing convened with a mandate to involve a new constituency — fleet managers — and an updated mission to demonstrate unrealized value in de-fleeted vehicles.

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Two shot of standing interview
Videosby Chris BrownApril 23, 2026

What’s Really Happening in Fleet Supply Right Now

Fleet supply has improved, but not everywhere. Merchants Fleet’s Charles Matthew explains where constraints still exist, what risks are emerging, and why fleets shouldn’t wait to place orders.

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Collage of photos from 2026 NAFA I&E
FleetTakesby Chris BrownApril 22, 2026

Navigating Brundlefly and Fleet AI at 2026 NAFA I&E

AI is becoming the operating layer for fleets. In Cleveland, the buzz was about harnessing AI in an increasingly complex, permanently disrupted environment.

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Fleet Remarketing Association temp logo
Newsby Chris BrownApril 20, 2026

Launch of Fleet Remarketing Association Signals New Era for Vehicle Lifecycle Value and Data Stewardship

The Association, dedicated to advancing the remarketing phase of the vehicle lifecycle, held its kick-off meeting on April 16 at the 2026 Conference of Automotive Remarketing (CAR) in Cleveland.

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Articlesby Chris BrownApril 20, 2026

2026 Salary Survey: Six-Figure Fleet Manager Salaries Become the Norm

After a decade of lagging compensation, fleet manager pay is climbing. But expanding responsibilities, larger fleets, and growing complexity continue to redefine the role.

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Waymo minivan in front of a theater.
Articlesby Chris BrownApril 9, 2026

2026 Is an Inflection Point for Autonomy, If Policy Keeps Pace

After years of hype and setbacks, autonomy is back on track. But policy, not technology, will determine how fast fleets can deploy them.

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Photo of Matt Dyer
Articlesby Chris BrownApril 8, 2026

These Edges Are Measured in Inches — Matt Dyer on Fleet’s New Normal

The Merchants Fleet CEO contends that fleets that drive the business win the inches. In 2026, every one of them counts.

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Chris Brown and O'Connell Landscape Maintenance rep sit across from each other during an interview at Geotab Connect 2026.
Videosby Chris BrownApril 2, 2026

From Marine Corps Motor Pool to Managing 460 Fleet Vehicles

Cesar Ayala of O’Connell Landscape Maintenance shares how he transitioned from the Marine Corps to managing a 460-vehicle fleet—and the real-world challenges of maintenance, compliance, and driver management in California.

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