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03-2021 - EN SOURCE: THE SHOW TRUCK CHANNEL

THE TRUCK TRADERS

INTERVIEW MARJOLEIN P4 VAEX GROUP 50 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY P6 THE TRUCK TRADERS YOUR IDEAL TRUCK P10 INTERVIEW ROBIN P14 ONCE A FINKL, ALWAYS A FINKL P18 DEVELOPMENTS TRUCKS OF THE FUTURE P20

Contents 04

Interview with Marjolein "I like to work hard and work smart"

VAEX Group

The Truck Traders

50 Years of Family History

18 20

Turning a big rig into something truly unique

FINKL Once a FINKL, always a FINKL

Developments Trucks of the future

“

eeling gloomy? I gear F right up for the challenge”. 2020? What a great year! At least for The Truck Traders The Netherlands went into lockdown on March 15. On March 16, I was in my Scania on the way to Scandinavia. I was on a buying trip. On the way, I called a few good customers at home and abroad with this message: "I will keep on buying. Let's do this together”. And they did. During the crisis, we bought trucks for favourable prices and we were able to sell them with good margins. What about the stock that we already had? We left that to one side. That was a gamble, because we could just as easily have seen it depreciate in value at the end of the year. Luckily, the market recovered quite quickly and those vehicles also found new owners.

Facts 2020

Interview Robin

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The Truck Traders

This approach is typical of me and of The Truck traders. Quick decision making, tenacity and thinking ahead. It might sound crazy, but I am at

my best in difficult situations. When many in the Netherlands are feeling gloomy, I gear up for the challenge ahead. I grew up with livestock trading. It's a fickle industry - one where you have to deal with setbacks and face obstacles along the way. It teaches you how to work hard and that has shaped me into who I am today. Shoulders to the wheel and stay positive - everything will be fine. Everyone at The Truck Traders works on this principle and I am extremely proud of the team. Together, we have been able to turn things around, from negative to positive. Having said this, I do not mean to gloss over the fact that corona has caused a great deal of misery for very many people. What about 2021? Bring it on! We will continue to do the things we are good at. Buying big trucks.

Pim Govers, CEO

We have found your ideal truck THE TRUCK TRADERS | 3

Tell us more about how things went for you after you started working in Reek. In my early years at VAEX, I took on as many different tasks as possible. Behind the reception desk and as executive assistant, working on internal projects or out on the road with colleagues or clients. All to gain knowledge and experience. In 2015, Pim asked me to help to put VAEX The Truck Traders on the map, with a particular focus on company structure. We started off with a group of three colleagues in a site hut, but it wasn't long before we grew into a company with more than 40 employees, various departments and our own workshop. There was plenty to do! I was also given room for initiative. Having that faith put in me has built my self-confidence. It means that I dare to try new things. 'Just get on with it, everything will be fine’. To be honest, that is usually true. Not always without trial and error, but you learn more this way than you would do by sitting still. 'Let's get on with it,' that's how we looked at BUFFL Customizers. Since 2019, this has been our own brand of truck interiors. I recently became a member of its management team. This brings new challenges and opportunities. You never stop learning!

" I LIKE TO WORK HARD AND WORK SMART" December 2012. Marjolein Waals was just 19 years old when she found her way to Reek. The company has a mentality that fits perfectly with the values she learned as a child: don't whine, just get to work! She wants to work. Work hard and work smart. That's just what she has done ever since she started working for VAEX. She knows her way around the whole company. It's high time that we turned the spotlight on this highly valued all-rounder to find out more about her views.

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"Getting opportunities and making the most of them, that's what it's all about”. What do you see as the most important developments made by VAEX during the past few years? My first impression was that VAEX was a very strong company where everyone works hard. And where Dirk and Pim are definitive experts on piglets, pigs, trade and transport. But I soon noticed that there were substantial, underlying challenges in terms of company organisation. Pim and Dirk both carried a Nokia 3310, they always had hundreds of unread emails in their mailboxes and as for a website? A total waste of money! Pim had very definite views: 'That's how things work’. We regularly engaged in healthy discussions, which sometimes turned out to be fierce battles. To cut a long story short, VAEX eventually underwent big changes in the field of IT and we have invested in the right systems, departments, colleagues and business partners. I certainly didn't do it all alone, but I feel proud to say that everything about the company, from the front to the back office, now works. This balanced structure behind the scenes makes it is easier for everyone to make progress.

team. Getting opportunities and making the most of them, that's what it is all about. And at VAEX these two things often go together. A lot of attention is paid to team spirit. When I first came to work here, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of office parties, the Christmas present and the ski weekend. By the way, that felt more like a weekend away with friends rather than a work outing. But you can also feel a positive vibe on the work floor every day. We are colleagues who are always ready to help each other and we really see each other. And we are honest with each other. Pim once said to me: 'Tell me what you say about your work when you go home. Positive and negative’. This openness is a big plus point for VAEX. And where will you and VAEX be in five years' time? I hope and think that The Truck Traders and BUFFL will operate under a single roof. The plans for this move are already in the pipeline. This way, we can achieve a complete concept for a whole truck better and more efficiently. I also hope that we will continue to be a great company with a fine, highly motivated team. We will certainly undertake new challenges together. But which ones? That's difficult to tell. When I come back after a week's holiday I am often surprised to see how many projects have started during my absence. Let alone the coming five years. And as for me? I am not such a long-term thinker. At the moment, I am very satisfied with my working life and my home life. If the coming five years turn out just like the last five, I will be more than happy!

THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT MARJOLEIN Favourite food? Everything! But especially Italian food. Favourite animal? A BUFFL, of course.a Your best characteristic? Thinking in solutions. Your worst characteristic? Always having the last word. Greatest wish? Getting to work quicker. It takes me an hour now from Asten. Favourite truck? A Scania, what else? Biggest annoyance? Being stuck in the past. We should go forward.

What is typical VAEX, in your eyes? That's easy - the people who work there. VAEX is growing because its employees are growing. Individually and as a

THE TRUCK TRADERS | 5

50 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY In 1971, brothers Leo and Ton Govers started their pig trading company 'Govers B.V.' At the kitchen table in Reek, with one telephone and one truck. In 1992, the name

VAEX has been around for fifty years and one thing has never changed. We still treat our customers as if they are guests at our kitchen table. Honest, personal and trusted. In 2021 we are proud of all of our 75 employees and our wide range of services. Get to know VAEX today! VAEX The Livestock Traders We will continue to go from strength to strength! The Livestock Traders live up to this promise every day. Experts in trading piglets, slaughter pigs and sows, and breeding cattle. Nationally and internationally. With AXIS EUROLINK as our own transport department, our own rest stall Ankoha in Hungary and our branch in Romania, we can offer you endless possibilities. Would you like to know more about our activities? Visit www.thelivestocktraders.nl

changed to the more international-sounding VAEX (VArkensEXport). VAEX became well-known throughout Europe, in more areas than livestock transport alone. In 2015, The Truck Traders made its entrance and BUFFL was born in 2019. Meanwhile, a half century of family history has passed and Dirk and Pim Govers are at the helm of a flourishing company.

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VAEX The Truck Traders From used trucks to brand-new ones. From Livestock trucks to crane trucks and everything in between. Big trucks in every brand and every price range. For the record: our range can't be summed up in a just couple of sentences.

One thing is sure: we never say 'No'. So there's a good chance that you will be driving a new truck after a visit to The Truck Traders in Ravenstein. Your ideal truck! Spot a nice one on www.trucktraders.nl

"Half a century of family history is something to be proud of”. BUFFL Customizers Your truck. Your home. At BUFFL Customizers we understand that like no one else. Whether you just come for a set of new mats, or for a complete interior, we will make sure that the interior of your truck looks perfect after you pay us a visit. Fully tailored to your ideas and your personal taste. One thing is sure: one day you too will drive a BUFFL. Looking for inspiration? Check out www.buffl.nl

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THE TRUCK TRADERS FACTS 2020

62% of the total sales went to the end customer

2485 work orders were processed in our workshop

79%

1400

of these were for our own truck and livestock trade

trucks sold in 2020

90.5% of these were used vehicles

9.5% of these

were new vehicles

38%

21% were for third parties

of the total sales went to truck traders

2% of the new vehicles were livestock-related

38% SCANIA

of our total sales consisted of Scania

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200 complete interiors were supplied by BUFFL

46%

of our total sales consisted of trailers, box trucks and semi-trailers

54%

of our total sales consisted of tractors

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THE TRUCK TRADERS:

YOUR IDEAL TRUCK? WE HAVE ALREADY FOUND IT!

The ideal truck? Everyone sees it differently. The Truck Traders know that like no one else. We fulfil all of our customers' wishes, no matter how large or small. Whether it's a luxurious truck or a wholesale vehicle, a new lamp bracket or a completely new interior - your wish is our command. We will create your ideal truck and put a big smile on your face.

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'No' is never an option. There are countless truck trading companies. The Truck Traders? One of a kind! Our personal approach makes us stand out in the truck industry. You can feel that as soon as you step into our office. A cup of coffee is waiting for you and one of our sales pros will assist you immediately. Without slick sales talk, but with expertise. Sometimes customers fall for one of the beauties that we have in stock. We can understand that because our stock is always in tiptop condition. Or perhaps you are looking for something specific. Don't worry! We will either find it or make it! 'No' is never an option: we will find a way.

"As fast as we can without fuss."

Standard means boring Standard? That's something we don't like. Our trucks are anything but standard. Neither is our service. We aim to offer you a complete package when you buy a truck from us. Our buyers find the best possible vehicles in Europe. Pay us a visit in Ravenstein to discover our large, varied range which offers you various brands and price classes. Have you found the right truck for you? BUFFL Customizers will be pleased to set to work on it and customize the interior or exterior. From just a new set of curtains to a completely new cabin or a hefty superstructure. Just the way you want it. And of course we will work as fast as we can, without a lot of complicated paperwork and other hassle. Our after-sales department will take care of that for you. We will also deliver your new truck if you wish. Nothing makes us happier than hitting the road!

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THAT'S WHY WE'RE THE TRUCK TRADERS • Always 150 trucks in stock, from all brands and in every price category. • Do you have any special requirements? We will make it happen. 'No' is never an option. • Complete package: we will do everything from purchasing to construction and from paper work to transport. • You find us on all the roads in Europe. That is why we know what is going on in the truck industry and we continue to be innovative and creative. • We don't have any slick salesmen, but real truck lovers. And you can feel that.

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A feminine touch. 'You can do whatever you want with the interior of this vehicle’. Some time ago, Robin got that message from her colleagues at The Truck Traders. They had just bought a brand-new Scania R580 and they wanted to do something really special with this vehicle. Then you’ve come to the right place - to BUFFL and Robin. It is only fair to say that, being the only woman in the workshop, she has a different eye for putting colours and combination together than her male colleagues. Quality female craftsmanship.

"Unique details make all the difference”.

TURNING A BIG RIG INTO SOMETHING TRULY UNIQUE Almost everyone knows by now that you can come to BUFFL for a custom-made interior. But who does all that beautiful work? It's high time to meet one of the faces behind the scenes, our BUFFL chick Robin Koens. And to have a look at the enormous truck, the interior of which she designed and built.

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Mission accomplished The result is impressive. The first thing you notice is the brown Alcantara which is used throughout the interior: the ultimate implementation of this old-school theme is carried through right to the upholstered dashboard. A real eye catcher! What looks at first sight to be buttoned work is, in fact, stitched work - one of Robin's ideas. The seams cross each other and have buttons at the cross points for extra body. The ceiling is totally plain, creating a feeling of peace. Melon lights provide the perfect atmosphere, complemented by the carefully chosen fringed curtains. And, of course, the finishing touch is provided by the BUFFL logo on the rear panel. One thing is sure: Robin's mission has been more than successful! Beautiful, inside and outside A very special interior deserves to have a very special exterior. The ideas for this come from Martijn van Boekel, our mechanic and truck builder with the golden touch. He was given free rein to do an old-school build on this Scania and he didn't have to think twice about it. He and his workshop colleagues paid a great deal of attention to detail, such as the custom-made bumpers and the shielded headlamps which ensure that the grille is now completely black. And he also installed air horns, an extended sun visor, a roof rack, cabin stairs, daytime running lights and LED block lamps. This Scania was already a great rig, but now it is really one of a kind! Proud builders Robin and Martijn are both very proud of the end result. Their eyes twinkle when they talk about the choices which they made. Building a truck the way you want is not a chance you get every day! A good example of the close collaboration between The Truck Traders and BUFFL Customizers. And of the total concept that we offer: unique vehicles, inside and outside. Will we do a makeover on your truck soon? Because: one day you too will drive a BUFFL! Ask about the possibilities via info@buffl.nl or call +31 486 72 50 67. THE TRUCK TRADERS | 15

THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ROBIN Previous job? Window dresser in a clothing store. Likes? Having fun, going to festivals and designer bags. Your worst characteristic? I am always late. Biggest ever blunder? Giving a mini performance in the work hall because I thought I was alone. Meanwhile, a bunch of drivers stopped at the roller doors to watch. Being a woman in a man's world? It's an advantage, because I can get things done with a smile. Other than that, I'm just one of the lads, right down to the sense of humour. And they always there for me. What is Robin like at the weekend? Still a tough cookie, but then with my hair down and a more feminine look. What do you like best about BUFFL? The fun we have on the work floor, the silly jokes and the after-work drinks on Friday afternoon.

" Proud of the interior and exterior made by our own company”. 16 | VAEX MAGAZINE NR.2 - O3/2021

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ONCE A FINKL, ALWAYS A FINKL VAEX started off 50 years ago as a pig trading company. Therefore, we have plenty of experience in trading livestock. And that makes it easy to cross the bridge to transporting livestock. The Truck Traders is the right place for used livestock trucks and for building new ones. We are proud to act as dealers for FINKL bodywork from Germany.

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Unique dealership You see them all over Europe and beyond: FINKL livestock trucks. VAEX The Livestock Traders drive them, too. Big, solid trucks which fulfil all of our needs for livestock transport. The result of a fine working relationship with Josef Finkl from Bissingen in Germany. A solid working relationship for many years. Until recently, it was based on acquiring livestock trucks for our own use, but we have taken it a step further since 2016. The Truck Traders are the exclusive FINKL dealers in the Benelux. What does that mean? That you can come to us if you want to buy a new, sustainable FINKL trailer, box truck or semi-trailer and have everything tailored to suit your needs. And we are proud of the fact! Why buy a FINKL But why should you look across the border when there are good livestock trucks being built in the Netherlands? The answer is simple. Because what is most important about a livestock trucks? The ease of use! And no other truck can outdo FINKL where that is concerned. The starting point for the superstructure is the actual weight. That means optimum loading capacity. Furthermore, you can have the final result tailored to fit your needs. And, also important, all for an excellent price. It goes without saying that you will ultimately be able to drive off in a high-quality and well-finished vehicle.

"Bridging the gap between the Netherlands and Germany”. Wir sprechen Deutsch You could also make a trip to Germany yourself. But why not take the easy option if you can? We have known

FINKL and their professional team for years and we will, literally and figuratively, bridge the gap between the Netherlands and Germany. We speak German fluently, we know how things work in Bissingen and we closely monitor the entire process. Furthermore, we have the guarantee of fixed production locations, meaning that we can act quickly. And what if we supply you with a FINKL superstructure? Then you will benefit from service and maintenance in our workshop in Ravenstein. Close to home! Yes, I do! We understand. Martijn Heesen, our FINKL expert with years of experience will be pleased to help you. He will listen to your transport requirements and your wishes for the ideal superstructure. You will draw up a plan together and then he will pass on your wishes to Josef Finkl in Germany. If you like, Martijn will go with you to Bissingen to visit the factory and see your item first hand. But only if you want to, because we will be happy to take all of the work off your hands. We monitor the entire production process right until the end when the shiny new product is signed, sealed and delivered. But there is a risk: after this you will never want anything but a FINKL!

Once you have worked with a FINKL, you will never want anything else. One wave of the hand is enough to roll up the doors and during loading you can operate everything with a remote control device. You can load a complete floor in one go, which is less stressful for the animals. Happy animals and happy driver. What more do you want? Frank Nooijen - driver for 'Bart Camps Varkenshandel', Oostrum FINKL stands for quality. FINKL trucks are easy to operate with both fixed control buttons and the remote control device. Every detail has been thought of. Simply great! Jos van de Ven - driver for 'Pali Group' Den Bosch Solidly built and easy to work with. They are

Are you interested in a FINKLbuilt vehicle? Please contact Martijn Heesen, at martijn.heesen@vaex.nl or +31 (0)6 43 23 56 48.

ideal because only one movement is enough to switch between three or four loading floors. The extendible tailgate is really splendid. That is a real benefit when you are loading and unloading on a normal surface. Jan de Haan - driver for 'Busser Transport', Bennekom

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TRUCKS OF THE FUTURE

Technological developments in the truck industry are moving fast. Stricter environmental standards demand that manufacturers commit themselves to the development of cleaner, quieter and more economical lorries. Our salesmen give their views on the trucks of the future, the developments within the industry itself and within The Truck Traders. Bas, Henk, Joost, Martijn and Pim share their views.

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What developments do you see happening in the truck industry? These days, almost all of the trucks we sell have Euro-6 engines. But the European Union's zero emission aims go even further, as does the development of emission-free trucks. The emergence of trucks powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has escaped no one's attention. This alternative fuel is cleaner than diesel and it produces considerably fewer emissions of fine particles and CO2. That is why LNG trucks are quieter than conventional diesel trucks. We also see that a growing number of trucks is powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), or pressurised natural gas. And a few truck manufacturers produce electric vehicles. The question is whether trucks which use alternative fuels will actually

succeed in winning a large share of the market. The related infrastructure is currently limited. In the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, there are not enough filling locations and charging stations. In addition, in spite of various subsidy regulations, alternative fuels still cost more than regular diesel and the total costs of an electric truck are higher than the diesel models. At the same time, manufacturers of diesel vehicles haven't been sitting still. Volvo's new turbo compound engine is a good example. The turbo compound unit recovers energy from the exhaust gases to drive the engine, leading to a 7% saving in fuel costs. Efficient and effective for long-haul transports. What does this mean for The Truck Traders' strategy? Of course, we move along with the market and we respond to new

developments. But our hearts will always lie with a great big Scania V8 and that will not change overnight. Let's not forget our customers, of course! We offer them what they want, whether that is low-fuel consumption or an open pipe. In coming years, diesel trucks will continue to be the standard. We believe that developments in LNG, CNG and electric trucks are still at the early stages. We will continue to watch what the market does and what it wants. If that turns out to be LNG trucks, of course we will adapt our buying strategy accordingly. That is exactly what we are doing at the moment for Volvos with the new turbo compound engine; we have noticed that customers are specifically asking for them. And we have them!

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What type of vehicle or which specific development do you find interesting? Bas:I am looking forward to the arrival of the new DAF. The current (Super) Space Cab by DAF is still based on a cabin dating back to 1987. I am curious to see what their innovations will be. Henk:I am interested to see how soon electric trucks will gain a foothold in the market, for distribution and over shorter distances, possibly in combination with electric cooling systems. For example, Tesla trucks Joost: I like to follow the development of transport with Long Heavy Vehicles (LHV). These are quite well-known

in the Netherlands, but now they are also becoming better known internationally, for example in Belgium, Germany, Scandinavia and the Czech Republic. Martijn:I wonder if closed, air-conditioned livestock trucks will become the norm for livestock transport, in keeping with responsible transport and the highest possible regard for animal welfare. And if we will ever see a unanimously approved European legislation regarding livestock transport. Pim:I have high expectations of the Scania V8 with 770 horsepower. Scania is also working on reducing fuel consumption.

THIS IS VAEX VAEX The Livestock Traders Reek, the Netherlands Arad, Romania Traders in: • Piglets • Pigs • Sows • Breeding cattle • Goats • Carcasses & meat + Own transport department AXIS EUROLINK + Own rest stall in Hungary www.thelivestocktraders.nl

VAEX The Truck Traders Ravenstein, the Netherlands • Traders in new and used trucks and livestock transport vehicles + Own workshop www.thetrucktraders.nl

BUFFL

" Our hearts will always lie with a great big Scania V8”. 22 | VAEX MAGAZINE NR.2 - O3/2021

Reek, the Netherlands • Installation of truck interiors www.buffl.nl

ONE DAY WE WILL ALL DRIVE A BUFFL