Renault AGC
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Founder | Renault |
| Defunct | 1941 |
| Products | Light to heavy-duty trucks |
| Parent | Renault |
The Renault AGx series encompassed a variety of light to heavy-duty trucks manufactured by the French company Renault between 1937 and 1941. This collection featured both conventional cab models (AGC, AGT) and forward control variants (AGK, AGP, AGR, AGOD, AGLD).
AGS
Derived from the Renault Primaquatre, the AGS was designed for both commercial and military applications, capable of carrying a payload of 0.4 tonnes.
AGC
Manufactured from 1938 to 1940, the Renault AGC was a conventional light truck with a payload capacity of 1.5 tonnes, succeeding the Renault ADK. Military versions were equipped with a wheelbase measuring 3,760 mm and overall lengths ranging between 5,000 mm and 5,680 mm. Its powertrain consisted of a 2.4-litre inline-four engine producing 44 PS at 2,800 rpm, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. The AGC chassis was also adapted into a van and a bus variant accommodating between 12 and 14 passengers.
AGT
Produced from 1937 until 1940, the AGT was a conventional light truck designed to replace the extended Renault ADH model, offering a payload of 2.5 tonnes. It featured a wheelbase of 4,110 mm, an overall length of 6,350 mm, and a width of 2,100 mm. The vehicle was powered by a 4-litre inline-six petrol engine delivering 66 PS at 2,800 rpm, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox.
AGP
The Renault AGP forward control truck provided payload capacities ranging from 2.5 to 3 tonnes and came with wheelbases between 2,550 mm and 3,080 mm along with a width of 2,350 mm. Engine options included a 4-litre inline-four petrol unit and a 4.7-litre inline-four diesel engine (designated AGPD), each rated at 65 PS. A four-speed manual transmission was standard.
In 1937, Société Algérienne des Transports Tropicaux (SATT) commissioned a coach based on the AGP chassis for trans-Saharan passenger transport to succeed the heavier Renault AKGD models. Under Georges Estienne’s direction, this streamlined steel-bodied coach measured 7,060 mm in length, was powered by an 85 PS petrol engine, and had seating for seven passengers.
While limited in military deployment, some Chinese forces procured diesel-powered AGPD variants.
AGR
Produced from 1937 to 1941, the forward control Renault AGR was classified as a medium-duty truck with a payload capacity of 3.5 tonnes. Military versions shared specific dimensions for wheelbase, length, and width. It was equipped with a 4-litre inline-four engine generating power at 2,200 rpm; certain models were fitted with gasifier systems. The gearbox was a four-speed manual unit.
AGK
Launched in late 1937 and manufactured until 1940, the forward control Renault AGK succeeded the earlier Renault ABF from 1935. It supported payloads between five and 6.5 tonnes. The primary military configuration featured specific measurements for wheelbase, length, and width. Variants included multi-purpose TTN models (30-31 and TTN 39), tanker versions, and mobile workshops—each differing in length and width dimensions.
On the commercial side, the AGK was available in multiple configurations such as van, flatbed, tipper, and cab-only formats with varying wheelbase lengths.
All AGK trucks were powered by a five-point-nine litre inline-four petrol engine producing power (civilian version) at 2,000 rpm; the diesel-powered AGKD variant utilized an eight-point-four litre inline-four engine. Both employed four-speed manual transmissions.
By the year 1937, the Renault ZP bus/coach had incorporated the AGK’s cabin design into its build.
Heavier models
The Renault AGLD and AGOD represent heavy-duty truck offerings. Manufactured from 1937 to 1939, the AGOD is capable of carrying an 8-tonne load, powered by a 12.5-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine producing at 1,500 rpm. Its wheelbase varies between and , with overall lengths spanning from to , and a width of . This model is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. The AGOD was utilized both as a freight truck and as a coach within the Compagnie Générale Transsharienne’s trans-Saharan transportation network.
Other Renault heavy vehicles using the 12.5-litre engine
During the 1936 Paris Salon, Renault unveiled multiple forward-control models slated for 1937 production, all powered by the 12.5-litre diesel engine paired with 5-speed gearboxes. These included the ADS, ADT, AFKD, and AEMD.
The AFKD was a six-wheeled truck designed to carry up to 10 tonnes and featured servomechanical/air braking systems. In 1939, it was succeeded by the Renault AIB, which incorporated air brakes and was powered by a smaller 5.9-litre engine delivering . The AEMD served as a bus or coach accommodating as many as 43 passengers; however, its market release was postponed until November 1937 when it received an upgrade to a 15.7-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine producing . By 1939, the seating capacity of the AEMD had grown to 51 passengers before production ceased later that year.