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Lamborghini could be sold or spun off from the Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen is reportedly considering a sale or stock listing for its high-end Lamborghini brand. The German automaker is looking to fold the Italian supercar brand into a separate legal entity, reports Bloomberg, which cites "people familiar with the matter" who don't want to be identified "because the deliberations are confidential and no decisions have been made." Any of this sound familiar? The goal of spinning off Lamborghini would be to stockpile more cash and other resources for VW's massive planned push into electric vehicles. Back in March, reports circulated that Volkswagen's "Vision 2030" corporate plan might include plans to focus on the brand's core brands — VW, Audi and Porsche. That means the futures of fringe players like Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, motorcycle brand Ducati and design firm Italdesign (and note this isn't a comprehensive list of brand's under the expansive VW Group umbrella) are up in the air. VW, according to the report, is targeting a market value of $220 billion, which is a big jump from the brand's current $89 billion valuation. Bloomberg pegged Lamborghini's valuation at around $11 billion back in August, buoyed by sales and profits generated by the introduction of the Urus sport utility vehicle. On the flip side, Lamborghini is currently grappling with how best to update its supercar lineup in the face of ever-increasing emissions regulations.

Volkswagen profit jumps as it warns of a cooling auto market

FRANKFURT, Germany — Volkswagen says its profits jumped 44% in the third quarter thanks to a more profitable mix of vehicles in its lineup but warned that global car markets are slowing more than expected and lowered its forecast for annual sales. After-tax profit rose to $4.42 billion (3.98 billion euros) as revenues rose 11% to $68.27 billion (61.42 billion euros). The sales margin of 7.8% exceeded the goal of 6.5-7.5% as vehicles bringing higher profits took a larger share of sales. The Wolfsburg-based automaker pointed to the headwinds facing the industry by saying that it expects "vehicle markets will contract faster than previously anticipated in many regions of the world." It said sales would be "on a level" with last year's record of 10.8 million vehicles. Previously it had expected a slight increase. The company said its profits would be in the lower end of its forecast range. Global automakers are facing a slowdown in sales amid disputes over trade and from pressure in the European Union and China to develop and sell low-emission vehicles that require heavy investment in new technology. Ford and Renault have issued profit warnings in recent days, while Daimler, maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury cars, lost money in the second quarter and is expected to outline a cost-cutting strategy for investors on Nov. 14. Volkswagen is leading the push into electric vehicles in Europe by launching its ID.3 battery-powered compact car at prices it says will make zero local emission vehicles a mass phenomenon. The company was able to increase earnings in the quarter despite an 18% rise in spending on research and development.

First production Bentley Bentayga rolls off the line

Three-and-a-half years after we got a view of the initial concept that led us here, the Bentley EXP 9 F, the first production Bentley Bentayga has left the production line in Crewe. The Anthracite-colored crossover is the culmination of four years of work and an 840-million-pound investment that added a new bodystory, new paint shop, new assembly line, and 1,500 jobs to the company's workforce. Customer deliveries begin next month, and with the order book approaching 6,000 units, sightings of the Bentagya everywhere will commence not long after that. The brand has the segment to itself until Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini can bring their efforts to market, and after having driven it and found it really rather good, Bentley should profit handsomely from its position. Next spring, the sharper, edgier, faster Bentley crossover that many were expecting should make an appearance and likely do just as well, if not better. For now, though, it's the Bentagya show. The press release below has more. Related Video: FIRST BENTLEY BENTAYGA ROLLS OFF THE PRODUCTION LINE- Sector-defining SUV designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe- Car marks significant UK manufacturing investment- First Bentayga to join Bentley's famous Heritage Collection(Crewe, 27 November 2015) The very first production Bentley Bentayga, the catalyst for one of the biggest investment programmes in the company's history, today left the assembly line at Bentley's iconic headquarters in Crewe, UK.Four years on from the initial concept stage, during which time over 1,500 UK jobs have been created, the car - part of an GBP840 million investment programme - will now enter full production, with deliveries to customers starting in January 2016.Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, said: "Bentley Bentayga will be the benchmark against which all other SUVs are measured, defining a new segment – the luxury SUV."This car is a celebration of UK manufacturing at its very best, not only reinforcing our commitment to industry in this country, job creation and significant investment, but to our home in Crewe. This is an important moment in our history, where we reflect and celebrate, but also look ahead to delivering this extraordinary car to our customers."I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues from all parts of the business for their dedication and professionalism in delivering the Bentley Bentayga.