DETROIT -- When the CEO of General Motors heads back to Washington to seek a federal bailout, he won't be flying on a private jet.

But that's all that GM is saying about the travel plans of Rick Wagoner. He and the heads of the other two auto giants were criticized and ridiculed for using private jets to go to Washington last week to ask for federal help for their companies.

A Chrysler spokesman won't comment on CEO Bob Nardelli's travel plans. Ford said no decision has been made on how CEO Alan Mulally will go.

But they might decide to carpool.

Auto industry officials have been e-mailing and discussing how to set up a giant car caravan that would carry the CEOs, car dealers and the United Auto Workers back to Washington to ask for help from Congress.

Dura Automotive Systems CEO Tim Leuliette said the idea "really picked up momentum over the weekend."

NBC's "Saturday Night Live" on Saturday had a skit that made fun of the idea of the CEOs carpooling to Washington. It included the CEOs having car troubles and getting lost.

Automakers said they need $25 billion in loans to help them survive the worst sales environment in more than 25 years. But their appearance before Congress last week was disastrous. Lawmakers have demanded restructuring plans by Dec. 2, with hearings to follow.

President-elect Obama said Monday he's surprised the CEOs didn't have a better proposal in place the first time.