EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - GE Capital Fleet Services announced the results of its 16th annual fleet passenger car maintenance study, which found that overall fleet car maintenance costs remained flat in 2010 compared to 2009. Maintenance costs stabilized due to an increase in vehicle replacement in 2010, the company found.

The study, based on a survey of actual maintenance expenses incurred by more than 11, 000 passenger cars from January 1 to December 31, 2010, found that on average car maintenance costs fell slightly from $61.22 to $59.77 per vehicle each month.

Key takeaways from the study that helped influence stabilized maintenance costs include:

Decreased average tire expense – Increased vehicle replacement in 2010 meant fewer new tires were purchased, which helped keep overall tire spend down

Increased preventive maintenance expense - costs for oil changes rose slightly from the previous year, and 10 percent ($3) higher since 2008

Improvement in overall vehicle quality – In 2010, overall vehicle quality increased across the industry, compared to previous model years resulted in longer lasting parts, and less frequent maintenance requirements

“As we move past the economic downturn, companies continue to remain strategic about their fleet replacement decisions while working to manage their maintenance cost bottom line,” said Eric Strom, maintenance and safety product manager for GE Capital Fleet Services. “This study provides us with data to keep our customers informed and allows us to continue delivering comprehensive fleet management solutions to meet their needs."