The ad, which was created by Interpublic agency Deutsch and is titled 'GM re:invention', features a series of GM-related images alongside nostalgic photographs of occurrences like the moon landings and the American flag.
A monologue attempts to paint an optimistic picture of the company's future, stating: "This is not about going out of business. This is about getting down to business."
The ad says the company needs to start over before it can get stronger before referring to its decision to drop some of its eight brands, including Vauxhall/Opel and Pontiac, and its failure to compete on costs with overseas competitors.
It will air on US television tonight but has already been posted on the internet.
GM's campaign follows a similar move by Chrysler in April when the brand launched its 'We're building a new car company' campaign after filing for bankruptcy protection.
Meanwhile advertising agencies are waiting to find out how much money they will receive out of the bankruptcy process for GM, the third largest advertiser in the US after Procter & Gamble and AT&T.
Leading the list of agency creditors was Publicis Groupe's Starcom MediaVest, which is owed around $122m (£74.4m) although this represents booked, but not paid-for, space.
Publicis Groupe is also owed $25.2m on behalf of Leo Burnett Detroit which worked on marques including Buick and Pontiac. Other agencies owed money include Interpublic, which is owed $16m.