Since 2008, the Auto Industry in America (and the World, in its aftermath) has been through a more-than-interesting shake up. Decades-old manufacturers are gone, companies are bankrupt and merging, selling to the lowest bidder like a poorly conceived construction project. With the signing of Ed Whitacre Jr. to the head spot if General Motors Monday, one has to ask if the 3rd (or is it 4th?) CEO in such a short time is a positive move?

I’m not doubting the credentials of Whiteacre Jr. – surely he is more than qualified to head a major corporation like GM. But many have complained about “Old Blood Vs. New” in the case of GM …and just about every other auto maker. There will always be criticism when a new boss comes in, especially if they are the same as the old boss (dun…dun-dunnnnn).

But in this instance the critics seem completely justified. The other day a friend of mine said American Auto Makers should “hire black lesbian 20-somethings” to bring a completely fresh approach to heading a company. The problem is finding a fine line between the seasoned Vet who has survived turnover after turnover, and the young gun who is enthusiastic and brings fresh ideas to the plate. But who knows, maybe Ed will sign on a group of foreword thinking, liberal researchers and developers to design the next great Eco-Friendly American automobile. I mean, I’m not taking bets or anything.

Here’s a look at the newly announced General Motors Plant closures in the North Eastern & Midwest United States.

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Thanks to Google Maps, bbs.keyhole.com & Jalopnik.

According to reports circulating all over the interwebs – GM has reported they will fire for Chapter 11 bankruptcy next week, after receiving $30B in government loans.

As the Washington Post stated earlier today, the federal government will pump another $30 billion into GM during its time under Chapter 11 protection. In addition to the $15.4 billion already loaned to GM, the United States will be into the ailing automaker for nearly $45 billion.

The U.S. government will now own at least 50% General Motors – meaning the federal government rights to appoint new GM directors. According to Left Lane News, Under the current outline for a GM bankruptcy, the good parts of the company will be sold to an entity led by the U.S. government. Under that scenario the government would forgive most of its $15.4 billion in previous loans, but it remains unclear how the additional $30 billion would be handled.

General Motors and Ford have both announced plans to help themselves scrap through this financial nightmare that all of the Big Three are in. Hey, if Congress isn’t going to help out they’ll have to do it themselves. First off, try driving instead of flying.

We’ll start with General Motors, who has no plans to actually cut their brands Saturn or Pontiac, which had been a rumor these past few weeks. Instead, the GM will focus on building up their four core namesakes – Chevy, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. We get Chevrolet and Caddy, but why Buick over Pontiac? Buick is a huge sell for GM overseas, in China specifically. GMC too is a big sell, in the north American southwest. Pontiac has been shrunk down to a few models, where other GM owned brands Hummer and Saab are looking for outside buyers. General Motors is still hoping to receive about $12 Billion from the US Government to see them through 2009. They will then begin to pay back and such loans in 2012. Who reading thinks no one outside of Detroit will ever see that money again? The worst part about this reconstruction plan is talks about cutting production along with assembly line jobs. The UAW will be stepping in to rework certain benefit plans.

And now to Ford – who is calling upon their transit vehicles (think NYC cabs) and green technology to pull them out of the red. Asking $14 Billion up front from green technology companies (along with $9 Billion, hopefully, from Congress) Ford will have a full fleet of electric and hybrid cars, trucks and SUV’s. Ford hopes to be “profitable” again by 2011. Both CEO’s of GM and Ford have agreed to work for $1 next year, which would normally be fine living off stock options, but maybe not this time. Well…good luck to everyone!