In general, the various embodiments are directed to a permanent magnet machine (“PM machine”), and more specifically an internal permanent magnet machine (“IPM machine”) that includes rotor magnets configured asymmetrically with respect to the rotor periphery, thereby producing an averaging effect similar to that achieved through traditional skewing of the rotor magnets. In alternate embodiments, the span, placement and/or shape of the magnets may vary from one pole to the next.