President Obama marked the lowest point in General Motors’ 100-year history  its bankruptcy filing on Monday  by barely mentioning it, instead focusing his remarks on the second chance G.M. will have to become a viable company with more government aid.

“I’m confident that the steps I’m announcing today will mark the end of an old G.M., and the beginning of a new G.M.,” Mr. Obama said.

While the moment had been anticipated for weeks, the bankruptcy filing nevertheless included more crushing news to G.M.’s home state, Michigan, which is already reeling from waves of layoffs and plant closings.

Shortly after filing for Chapter 11 in Federal Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan, G.M. said it would close 14 more American factories  including seven in Michigan  and cut up to 21,000 more jobs.