Washington-area drivers are holding on to their cars for longer amid the sluggish economy, with the average vehicle age climbing to more than nine years, according to a new report. The average age of typical passenger cars registered locally rose to 9.25 years in 2011 from 8.23 in 2005, according to the report slated to be presented Wednesday to the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board. The average age of heavy trucks increased even more, from 8.61 years to 10.56 years.

Ronald Kirby, director of Transportation Planning Board for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, blames the economy. Though the Washington region hasn’t been as hard hit as some most parts of the country, there has been enough uncertainty to keep people from upgrading to a new car.