Headline: After Over a Century, Breda’s Family-Run Ovéka Car Rental Business to Close Due to Lack of Succession
For more than a century, the de Vos brothers, Henk (73) and Ger (65), have been running the family car rental business, Ovéka B.V., in Breda. Unfortunately, there’s no one to take over the reins, and the duo has decided it’s time to enjoy their hard-earned retirement. "It’s time for ourselves," they admit jointly.
Starting life as a car sales business in Klundert back in 1921, Ovéka B.V. was founded by their grandfather, who handled sales, while their great-grandfather managed the books. After the war, the business moved to Breda, where it began offering car rentals in addition to sales.
Ovéka B.V. has carved out a niche for itself in Breda, offering a wide range of vehicles for hire, from buses and trucks to oldtimers for special occasions. However, Henk and Ger will bid farewell to their loyal customers after nearly 40 years at the helm come next week. "It’s sad, but it’s also time for us," Ger says. "I won’t miss the work, but I’ll definitely miss the customers."
Despite the impending closure, Henk and Ger are determined to leave on a positive note. "We want to focus on our wives and enjoy life without regrets," Henk says. After much deliberation, they’ve decided to retire and sell the property where Ovéka B.V. has been based for decades.
The brothers built strong relationships with their customers over the years, welcoming everyone with open arms. "There wasn’t a high barrier; everyone could come and ask for what they needed," Henk recalls. Locals and institutions alike, including the tax office, Stichting Amarant, and even Sinterklaas, have availed of Ovéka B.V.’s services throughout the years.
As the duo calls it quits, they’ll leave behind a legacy that will be sorely missed by the people of Breda. While they look forward to a well-deserved retirement, Henk and Ger will always cherish the memories made along the way.
