BETHESDA, MD -- According to the 2006 Collision Repair Trends report from the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, roadway congestion has grown 85 percent since 1982. As more and more vehicles are occupying the space on streets and highways, vehicle collisions have increased during 13 of the past 21 years.

These are just a few of the findings from the recently released 2006 Collision Repair Trends: Industry Statistics & Analysis. The study combines the latest available industry data from original AAIA research, government sources and independent research suppliers in an effort to comprehensively capture the size and scope of the collision repair industry in the United States.

The 2006 Collision Repair Trends examines a variety of topics, including:

· Overall size of the collision repair market,

· Nationwide vehicle collision statistics for the past 20 years,

· State-by-state statistics on miles traveled and vehicle registrations,

· Retail distribution of PBE products,

· Trend data on the number of U.S. collision repair shops,

· Collision repair: body shop profile, and

· Data on the Canadian collision repair industry.

Available to AAIA members for $99 and to nonmembers for $199, the 2006 Collision Repair Trends. To order a copy, call 301-654-6664 or visit: http://www.aftermarket.org.