The number of U.S. car dealerships is rising again after a big decline during the recession.

According to consulting firm Urban Science, there were 17,767 delerships at the end of 2011.

That's more than 100 more than at the end of 2010.

The rise is fairly significant...because in a typical year, the number of car dealerships ususally drops by two percent...due to retirements and downsizing.