Car fleet managers are cautiously optimistic about economic prospects for the remainder of 2011, according to the latest quarterly Company Car Trends survey, from GE Capital, Fleet Services.

The quarterly research, based on a set of questions directed at fleet decision makers, shows that 35% of respondents expect the size of their car fleet to increase during the next six months, with 55% forecasting no change, while 11% foresee a decrease.

In the same group, 37% of respondents also reported that they saw an increase in the size of their car fleets over the last six months, compared to 48% who saw no change and 14% who experienced a decrease.

Fleet managers are also showing a degree of optimism about the economy, with 38% expecting a slight improvement in the UK economy in the next 12 months.

Gary Killeen, fleet commercial director, GE Capital UK, said: “We are on a path towards a stronger economy. Though the journey will probably be bumpy for a while, our research clearly indicates that there is a growing sense of optimism among car fleet operators.”

“This sits very well with our own experience at GE Capital. Our fleet customers have spent the last two years ensuring that their businesses are operating with low cost, but highly efficient bases. They are becoming increasingly confident about their prospects, but remain mindful that the economy is still in a relatively fragile state.”