The times are changing and the Volkswagen Group has a clear understanding of this. Rising through the cloud of black smoke brought on by the 2015 Dieselgate scandal, the German automaker is now betting big on electric vehicles and electromobility in general. The VW ID.4 is only the beginning of an EV onslaught. In order to make that happen, however, VW Group needs cash and resources and, at present, it simply has too many brands.

As we just reported, VW's board will meet next month to decide on the future of Bugatti and Lamborghini, two ultra-exclusive brands with relatively low profitability and high operating costs. Neither brand will be discontinued, but it's possible VW could sell one or both of them. In fact, Reuters has just learned VW is very quietly making plans to set up Lamborghini as an independent unit.

It's also examining long-term supplier deals for the Italian brand. A stock exchange listing is sounding very likely. Sources familiar with the discussions revealed the information which has yet to be finalized.

"Volkswagen is in the process of carving out Lamborghini, and to organize future supply and technology transfer deals," one source said. Lamborghini is actually a division within Audi and a partial listing where VW still retains a controlling stake could end up being the way forward. No precise timetable for a listing has been set as VW is still laying the groundwork.

"This is a first step which gives VW the option to list the unit further down the line," the second source said.

Not surprisingly, VW declined to comment. Bugatti's future, meanwhile, could involve Croatia's Rimac Automobili taking a controlling stake without VW completely divesting itself. Lamborghini is different than Bugatti because it has cheaper models and a bigger lineup including an SUV. The Lamborghini Urus was the firm's best-seller last year and will be again for 2020, and VW rightly wants to keep a greater share of the profits. VW's possible Lamborghini spin-off is not without precedent. The 2016 Ferrari spin-off from FCA has since proven extremely successful.

Nothing is official for the time being, but it's evidently clear VW Group wants to rid itself, at least partially, of vehicles with high-emissions ratings.