Your Trusted Auto Service Provider in Seven Hills and Surrounds


The Elite Automotive Story

The team at Elite Automotive, led by Darren Lindsell and Donna Axiak, have been trusted experts by Seven Hills locals for almost 20 years. They gained over 16 years of experience working together at a local Mechanical repair workshop close to Prime Drive before Elite Automotive was born in 2005. Their unique partnership, supported by their respective families, is backed by a driven work ethic and a clear vision for how things would work – successfully.


Darren oversees the running of the workshop, mentors his team and gets his hands dirty daily. His experience in diagnostics and critical thinking keeps the workshop – and team – operating like a smooth, well-oiled engine.

Donna's strength is keeping the business running like clockwork behind the scenes and on the frontline. Office HR and Accounts management at the back end, she also supports Darren's management of the workshop floor. On the front line, she heads up the customer service team and customer relations for Elite Auto's suppliers, partners and clients.


Donna's experience has seen her involved with industry bodies and has assisted in keeping the business relevant and competitive. The Elite Auto team's proactive and dynamic approach to professional development and compliance has seen the business thrive through the recent pandemic.


Elite Automotive is involved with the community; kids from local schools or through industry associations undertake work experience at the Prime Drive Workshop. Elite Auto also sponsors and supports Westmead Children's Hospital, local sporting clubs and NSW Water Ski Association.

The Elite Automotive Staff

Donna and Darren believe their long-term employees substantiate the commitment and trust that Elite Auto guarantees to their clients. Their current experts have been with them for 9 and 4 years. They are all passionate petrol heads, with unique qualities they bring to the workshop floor and business, all underpinned with common sense.


Ryan is energetic with a dynamic knack for thinking ahead.

Harry, four years in, still evokes a willingness to learn and listen, never says no, and wants to know how EVERYTHING works!

Darren Lindsell

A true local, Darren grew up and attended school in the Hills District. In the industry since 1988, Darren completed his apprenticeship less than 500m from the Elite Auto workshop. Regular professional development and upskilling in that role saw him become a workshop manager for the business owner. In 2005, he switched that up to become his own boss.


His love of motors isn't just work; he's owned and raced his own HQ Holden professionally.


He's won and holds numerous Water Ski Racing Titles. His wife, son and daughter are also passionate and active members of the NSW Water Ski Association, and as locals, are all active members of the local community through various clubs and associations.


It's safe to say that Darren is rarely bored, as well as being a Licensed Automotive Auto Technician and Auto Electrician, Darren's accreditation list through TAFE and other associations includes: 

  • Tag & Test (Electrical)
  • ARCTIC Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Refrigerant (Licence)
  • AIS Inspection Accreditation with Service NSW (Pink + Blue Slips)
  • Motor Traders Association Member and Service Managers Accreditation
  • Member of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers
  • Member of Australian Automotive Service Dealers Network NSW.

Donna Axiak

Donna's experience in the automotive industry stems back to 1984, as does her working partnership with Darren; they both gained experience in the same workshop. From the first day, Donna knew she had what it took, and armed with a Business Management qualification gained in 1988 and hands-on experience in the workshop from the beginning, she ran the office for her employer.


Donna had some time off to raise her family in the beautiful Hawkesbury region where she still lives. She returned to full-time employment in 2005; it was short-lived, as when the opportunity to start a business with Darren arose, it seemed like it was meant to be.


When not working, Donna's commitment to health and fitness is important to her, as is spending quality time with her family and friends at home and on escapes down to the South Coast whenever possible.


Donna's involvement and immurement in the Motor Vehicle Industry have grown, completing courses and other training with industry bodies. Her achievements and associations include:

  • Member of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers.
  • Former Chairman of Service Managers Group.
  • Motor Traders Association NSW. Member + Current Executive Board Member
  • Australian Institute of Company Directors. (Member)
  • Justice of the Peace.

Call our team at 02 9620 6133 to learn more about Elite Automotive and how we can meet your automotive needs.

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