Subaru finally appears ready to enter the hybrid segment. Unsurprising considering the numerous rumors and reports that the Japanese automaker, which has strong ties with Toyota, aims to launch it first hybridized vehicle by the end of 2012.

@funkmasterflex

However, Subaru’s tight-lipped approach prevents us from confirming what vehicle the automaker will use to introduce its hybrid to the world. Initial speculation puts the fuel-sipping technology into either the Legacy or Impreza platform. Regardless, Reuters claims that Subaru’s hybrid is U.S.-bound.

On the sidelines of this year’s Detroit Auto Show, Reuters prodded Tom Doll, chief operating officer of Subaru of America, seeking insight into the automaker’s hybrid plans. Doll stated, “We’re going to need something at some point, even (only) to say we have it because that enhances our brand image in the market.” Though Subaru has not officially confirmed the launch of a hybrid vehicle, Reuters reports that the fuel-sipping auto will be released in 2012 and maintains that the U.S. will witness the debut of the first Subaru hybrid model in 2013.