In this edition of the weekly auto news recap, we look back at the history of one of the most storied car brands as well as look forward to some cars that will be hitting the showrooms in the near future. All in all, it was another week peppered with stories of struggling automakers and rumors of bankruptcy. Here are the top 5 auto stories of the week.

• Survey: Ford’s image gets a boost by nixing federal aid
  A recent survey found that 63% of Americans view Ford in a positive light. This number is up over 20% from the last time this survey was held late last year. The reason for this sudden increase in positive opinion toward Ford? It’s simple: Ford is the only member of the Big Three to turn down federal aid.
  
  
• Report: Chrysler headed into bankruptcy as debt talks fail
  The AP is reporting that talks between Chrysler and the Treasury Department have failed, leaving the automaker on the inevitable road to bankruptcy. Chrysler has about $6.9 billion in secured debt.
  
  
• 2011 Future Cars
  Despite the uncertainty facing the auto industry, auto manufacturers must keep moving forward. In this look to the future, Motor Trend gives a sneak peek of more than two dozen cars who will be hitting the showrooms within the next couple of years. What new vehicle will catch your eye? Check out this list to find out.
  
  
• Thrill is gone, Pontiac bites the dust
  G.M. announced on Monday that it is discontinuing the Pontiac brand in an effort to consolidate the company so that it can focus its resources on it’s more important brands: Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, etc. Pontiac’s closing is a sad end to one of the most storied car brands of the past 100 years.
  
  
• G.M.’s latest plan envisions much smaller automaker
  In order to survive these tough economic times, G.M. says it must become a much smaller automaker. This means it will have to close down 13 plants, eliminate 21,000 factory jobs, and shutdown a significant portion of its dealership network. The automaker already moved forward with this plan by eliminating the Pontiac brand on Monday. Whether this consolidation effort will save the company remains to be seen.

What do you think about the death of the Pontiac brand? Are you excited about any of the cars of the future? Share your thoughts in the replies!