Ford’s CEO (Alan Mulally) just said that when he gets the bailout, we can expect “laser focus” on all vehicles (small, medium, and large/SUV), on everything (production costs, quality, environmental impacts, etc). Perhaps “laser” wasn’t the best metaphor for saying he needs to improve everything in every imaginable way. Still, that drives home the point: The auto industry doesn’t have a plan.

They’re getting questioned (by congress) on the private jet for the third time today (that I’ve seen). The complete lack of foresight by these executives is apparent in everything they’ve done in the last week. Remember, this is a political battle for them. Image matters. Clear communication matters. Hell, poise matters.

Then again, I still think that the auto bailout package will pass. But, after listening to this testimony, I’m even more certain that this bailout package won’t be sufficient to save this industry. Even if someone thinks a bailout is justified, what grounds does anyone have to think it will be effective?