I don't know if it's that simple. Ford didn't ask for the bailout after all, probably because they realized how much leverage it would give the government over their operations. You know how startup founders are wary about giving VC's too much control over their business? I'd imagine automakers (especially Ford, which is still largely a family business) are just as wary about giving the government too much control over their business. And, unlike GM and Chrysler, Ford has the good fortune to be a good ways away from bankruptcy (though from a business standpoint, bankruptcy would still be better than nationalization).
