OK. Then let's assume that no investors will buy the plants and equipment because the prospective buyers have determined that they can't make money using this equipment to manufacture cars --even when they're buying these plants and equipment for much less than the replacement cost.
What would be the point of taxpayers effectively purchasing these plants and equipment? Would consumer demand suddenly appear? These state-run institutions would simply turn out cars that no one wants, just to preserve jobs. That's a very expensive welfare scheme.
There is but one benefit. America keeps a manufacturing base. We need to rebuild manufacturing in this country not destroy the last vestige of it. If you think the transplants will remain after a big three melt down, you are wrong. One has only to look at the electronics industry to see this. America will become dependent on foreign manufacturers for all our products including military products (assuming you consider transplants American, I do not-nor do I believe they would build military equipment in a crisis). This is a terrible idea and will destroy this country. If for no other reasons than national security...we need to save the Auto industry.