Growing up, I can't remember my father owning any car other than a GM.  I remember that he bought my mom a 1971 Pontiac convertible for her birthday.  He just didn't drive anything else.  Many Americans have similar experiences.  Even though, GM's bankruptcy filing was inevitable and known for quite some time, it's still a shock.

It's not dissimilar from a death in the family. 

Yet, there's this huge difference.  Bankruptcy gives GM a chance, and I mean a chance, at resurrection ie. redemption.  President Obama may have staked his presidency on it.  Our country's economic psyche needs it.  As a nation, we're too entangled with GM for the auto maker to fail.  If you don't think so, check out the LA Times' prescient article written by Dan Neil.

So, what does the new marketing approach have to look like?  First of all, it has to be humble, transparent, and honest.  It has to admit past failures and a willingness to learn from the past mistakes.  Second, it has to be flexible and expose the intransigence of the past as arrogant and a colossal mistake.  Third, it has to ask for customer support and loyalty in trying times. 

Avoid slick, gimmicky, ads.  Bare the corporate soul.  Identify yourself with the American public. 

If the GM execs follow a simple marketing plan and fix their past business errors, Americans will forgive and embrace the company once again.  There's too much Americana in GM to do otherwise IF they do the right thing.

Here's hoping for some straight talk and transparent action.