Abstract: An AC induction motor assembly includes first and second endshields at least one of which is of special construction for reducing material costs. The motor assembly includes a stator assembly and a rotor assembly having an associated rotor shaft, which are mounted between and supported by the endshields. The endshields are of a skeletal construction and include a plurality of truss members which are so configured as to permit the endshields to be made of different materials while retaining the same configuration. The truss members include two rails parallel with one another and oriented generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor shaft, and a web extending between the rails, integral with them.