A permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machine includes a stator that includes a plurality of electrical conductors radially disposed on the stator. The permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machine also includes a rotor that includes a body having an outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the stator and a plurality of recesses disposed on a surface of the rotor. The permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machine also includes at least one ferrite magnet disposed in a corresponding recess of the rotor.