I'm having a hard time writing the first of two columns this month; call it the winter blues. I'm tired, irritable and annoyed at how much it costs these days for a quality paint job for my 240SX. But more than that, I'm just feeling down and depressed. Why? The automotive industry is changing faster than I can keep up with, and that doesn't always spell good news. Why am I in such a bad mood this month? Read on.

I'm fairly realistic about the often rising-sometimes fluctuating price of gas these days. I'm not expecting to pay for a quarter tank by digging for loose change in the pockets of my dirty laundry…but I am truly disappointed in our President's unfounded proclamation in his State of the Union address to boost corporate average fuel economy (CAFÉ) for light vehicles to 34 miles per gallon by 2017. Right now, the standard is 27.5, and light trucks is 22.5. President Bush is calling for a 4 percent improvement in fuel economy every year then. Bob Lutz, General Motors Vice Chairman, product czar and serious car guy, hit the nail on the head when asked to comment on Bush's statement: "It is really, unfortunately, very naïve on the part of people who don't know enough about the business to say ‘four percent a year shouldn't be that tough.' It is."

Do we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil? Absolutely, but raising CAFÉ is not the way to do it. While I agree that we need to challenge our nation's great engineers and scientists, it is incorrect and irresponsible to place unrealistic expectations on automakers. Is Bob Lutz a bit biased because his future product lineup's success rests on the hood of rear-wheel drive, performance vehicles and large SUVs? Maybe a bit. But as he also pointed out, even with the widespread use now of "cheap" technology such as electronic power steering, direct fuel injection, displacement on demand/variable valve timing and improved aerodynamics, the numbers are still well below Bush's target. Just food for thought.

I'm dismayed, though not entirely surprised, at the sale of the Chrysler Group. With a value of only $3.2 billion (excluding the Dodge and Jeep brands), it puts a lot of things in perspective. For example, Toyota Motor Company (Japan) keeps $23 billion in reserve cash for a rainy day. Hyundai invested $1 billion to open a U.S. plant. And you're telling me that's worth one third the total value of the Chrysler Group? Ouch.

I'm disappointed that the Rim of the World Rally, referred to as the Super Bowl of rally events, will no longer run its famous stages through the Angeles National Forest in California. Instead, they will only have a "Rally Challenge" Super Special Stage. The already non-existent interest in rally in the United States just took a further nosedive into oblivion.

I'm saddened, but again not surprised, at the declining ad sales and subscription numbers of automotive enthusiast print publications. There are a lot of good people who work at Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Road and Track, Hot Rod and any other publication that peaks your interest, whether it focuses on car audio equipment or muscle cars. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here right now.

I'm a bit peeved that the Chevy Silverado outsold the Ford F series trucks in the month of February. Those who know me know I'll always be a Ford girl.

In the meantime, let me ask YOU: who is your favorite import model/spokesperson? Sasha Singleton? Ursula Mayes? That rather manly gal on the cover of Import Tuner? Hit me up at jackie2@urbanracer.com with your opinions.

Jackie Liu is a Los Angeles based writer, car enthusiast and 100% U.S.D.A. Certified tart. She worked in public relations for five years, and has represented clients that include American Honda and Ford Motor Company. She was recently published in Sport Compact Car as a judge in the 2006 Ultimate Street Car Challenge, and contributes to Edmunds.com. She owns a 1990 Nissan 240SX and a 1993 Porsche 968, but she shares joint custody of a number of other cars that include a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a 2004 Subaru STi, a 1999 Land Rover Discovery and a 1973 Datsun 240Z. Hit her up at jackie2@urbanracer.com.