An electric machine including a stator and rotor. The rotor has a core wherein each pole includes first and second axially extending magnet slots positioned in an outwardly opening V-shape. Permanent magnets are positioned in the magnet slots. The magnet slots define first and second opposing major edges wherein the first major edge is disposed nearer the outer radial perimeter of the rotor core. First and second opposing minor edges extend between the major edges and the first minor edge is disposed nearer the outer radial perimeter. The first and second slots are reflectively symmetrical with one symmetrical aberration. The symmetrical aberration being formed by an axially extending non-symmetric gap defined by the first major edge of the second magnet slot proximate the first minor edge. Demagnetization may be reduced by operating the machine with the second magnet slot trailing the first magnet slot during rotation of the rotor.