Who is Antonio?
Originally from Angola and raised in South Africa, Antonio brings with him a rich multicultural background. Fluent in Portuguese and English (and now learning French and a bit of Creole), he has built an impressive international career working with major automotive brands like Toyota, Volkswagen, Audi, Jeep, Chrysler, Honda, and more. He also owned his own business for six years and has trained over 300 technicians across Africa in both English and Portuguese.
A new chapter in Mauritius
Antonio joined Axess in January 2024, after a colleague recommended the opportunity. What was meant to be a job became a mission.
“I don’t like this job. I love it,” he says.
His love for cars and people is evident in his every interaction—with customers, technicians, and leadership alike.
Having lived in Mauritius for over five months now, Antonio has embraced island life fully.
“Mauritius has given me a breath of fresh life,” he shares.
A day in the life
Antonio’s day begins with a daily morning meeting with technicians—a space for open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. He believes in empowering his team to speak freely, share concerns, and take ownership of their work.
He visits each brand's service section, engages with customer experience teams, brand managers, and even test-drives vehicles with clients to understand their concerns firsthand. His ultimate goal? To rebuild trust and make customers feel seen, heard, and valued.
Raising the bar
Since joining Axess, Antonio has introduced a people-first approach to service. His three-year vision is bold yet focused: transform the workshop into the best in Africa. This includes:
- Implementing hands-on and e-learning training programs for all technicians.
- Encouraging team collaboration and communication.
- Prioritising customer satisfaction and personal connection.
He sums it up best:
Our customers are not numbers; they are people. And people deserve respect, honesty, and quality service.
Culture & Values
Antonio fosters a lively and open work culture. His daily meetings start with jokes and football banter, easing his team into the day. But when it’s time to work, it’s all about excellence, structure, and results. “Positiveness” is his key value, and his team appreciates both his leadership and his laughter.
He also plays a vital role in shifting the customer perception of Axess. From reducing complaints to increasing customer trust, Antonio is hands-on in handling sensitive cases with empathy and technical expertise.
Beyond the workshop
Antonio's passions extend beyond cars. He is a motorsport fanatic and a devoted Formula One follower since 1980. His favorite team? Williams. He also enjoys playing golf, which balances out the fast pace of his day job with patience and calm.
When asked what kind of car would represent his work style, Antonio replied: "A rally car".
Multifunctional, durable, and built for any terrain—just like him.
Looking ahead
Antonio’s vision for Axess is clear: build a culture of professionalism, respect, and continuous growth.
We’re not sprinting. We’re running a marathon. But every step forward is a step toward excellence.
In one word, he describes his journey at Axess so far as: Awesome.
Stay tuned as Antonio and his team continue to drive change, raise standards, and put people—customers and employees alike—at the heart of Axess Service.
