The Italian Automobile Club reports that in 2009 Italians spent near 165 billion euros for their cars. That is -2.3% compared with 2008. Spending for the purchase and use of private automobiles by Italians has, therefore, falled for the first time since 1990. The figures are the result of a overall analysis of costs sustained last year by drivers, published in the Italian Ajutomobile Club’s Statistics Annual for 2010. The data also shows a reduction in fiscal withdrawal for all vehicles. In 2009 earnings ammounted to 57.5 billion euros, -5.6% over 2008. Spending on automobiles is the third largest expense for Italian families, after housing and food.