From VF: 1/350 HMS Renown this kit is planing .However, the release date has not been confirmed yet.

Also:

Yes ,we are also working on 1/350 長門 (Nagato) , 1/350 金剛 (Kongo) , 1/350 摩耶 (Maya) , 1/350 鳥海 (Chokai)

I can't speak to why VF chooses the subjects that they do, other than it's a combination of personal preferences and iconic vessels.

Steve asked; "Are the Takaos so significantly better than the Aoshima offerings that I should sell my Aoshima kits?"

I have both. I started the Aoshima kit, halted work when VF made it's annoucement, then purchased the VF kit. I've done a thorough review for MW and started a WIP over there. I would say that, for the most part, it is a superior kit. Not that the Aoshima kit is bad by any means. The biggest issue I've had so far is with the instructions, which I think are incomplete. It's also a late war kit, whereas the Takao hull is early war oriented.