Renault OS

Renault commercial vehicles (early 1930s)

Company type	Division
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1930
Headquarters	Boulogne-Billancourt , France
Products	Commercial vehicle chassis, trucks, buses, coaches

The Renault commercial vehicles of the early 1930s consisted of a versatile chassis lineup produced by Renault, primarily designed for trucks, buses, and coaches. This series represented Renault's initial adoption of diesel engines and a departure from their previous styling approaches. Starting in 1935, this lineup was progressively succeeded by the lighter ACx and ADx ranges, the medium ABx series, and the ZP bus and coach models.

Origins of the early 1930s lineup

By the end of 1930, Renault discontinued its last commercial vehicles featuring the distinctive "coalscuttle" bonnet design, transitioning to more upright grilles and repositioning the radiator in front of the engine. At the same time, Renault introduced its first diesel powerplants for road vehicles: a 7-liter inline-four and a 10.5-liter inline-six, both equipped with direct injection technology. The inline-four was installed in heavy trucks beginning in 1930, followed by the inline-six in 1931. These engines benefited from Renault’s expertise in marine diesel technology, allowing for proprietary development rather than dependence on foreign manufacturers—a notable competitive edge within France.

The production strategy focused on modular construction using standardized parts, which improved manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and facilitated easier maintenance through interchangeable components.

The 1931 range for light and medium-duty vehicles featured updated models such as the RY and KZ (with payloads under one tonne), OS (1.3 to 1.8 tonnes), PR (2 tonnes), SX (2 tonnes), and SZ (3 tonnes). Heavier models combined new introductions with refreshed versions like the TL (4 tonnes), TR (5.5 tonnes), TS (7.5 tonnes), TI, alongside two tractor units designated SY and TT.

Growth of the range

In 1932, Renault enhanced its lower-tier vehicles by fitting most with inline-four petrol engines—except for the SX and SZ models which used inline-six engines. The upper tier predominantly featured diesel powerplants supplemented by two petrol engine options: a 6-liter inline-four and a 9.1-liter inline-six. Payload capacities varied by model: the TI (5.5 tonnes) and UD (7.5 tonnes) were powered by four-cylinder engines; the TS (8 tonnes) utilized only inline-fours; while the 6x2 VT (12 tonnes) was exclusively equipped with inline-sixes. The lineup also included two tractor units: the TT capable of hauling loads up to 15 tonnes using high-end engines; and the SY designed for up to 6 tonnes, powered by engines from the SX-SZ range.

Between 1931 and 1932, Renault introduced its C-90 diesel engine—a 3.8-liter inline-four—intended for upcoming models. Additionally, short-lived petrol-powered 6×4 trucks with articulated suspension debuted: the UC (offering a 7-tonne payload or serving as a tractor up to 15 tonnes) and the UR (with a 4-tonne payload).

The 1933 model year brought new additions such as the YP light vehicle with a 0.75-tonne payload and a commercial-focused KZ chassis, while discontinuing the TS model. New diesel and petrol variants included the YF replacing the SZ model, along with the YG tractor unit succeeding the SY.

In 1934, Renault phased out the SX model in favor of introducing the ZY series (ZYAC version featuring an inline-four petrol engine with a 2.5-tonne payload). The PR model was also gradually replaced by a new ZJ chassis rated for 2 tonnes, benefiting from reduced taxation and regulatory constraints. The ZYDC variant incorporated a new diesel engine; meanwhile, all models received updated petrol and diesel powerplants. The TI discontinued its inline-six petrol option, whereas the TT no longer offered inline-four engines. A heavy-duty truck based on the VT platform—the ZF—was also added to the lineup.

Several commercial vehicles from this range were acquired by the French military, including models such as the UD, YF, TI, and PR.

Conclusion of the early 1930s lineup

In response to French government regulations on commercial vehicles by 1934, Renault shifted to forward control configurations, moving away from the traditional cabins that had been standard earlier that decade. At the 1934 Paris Salon, Renault unveiled two forward control models for the 1935 model year: the ABF truck with a 5-tonne payload and the ZP coach. Additionally, the ABG tractor unit, capable of hauling up to 10 tonnes, was presented at the Brussels Salon. Petrol-powered versions of the TT and VT were phased out alongside Renault's final use of flathead petrol engines in their commercial lineup, while diesel engines underwent slight refinements. The company also introduced a new coach based on the YF chassis, named the ZI.

At the 1935 Paris Salon, Renault largely retained its model range for 1936. Nevertheless, all commercial vehicles from the early 1930s with payload capacities up to 3.5 tonnes were discontinued between 1935 and 1936, replaced by the more streamlined Renault ACx and ADx series. Most normal-control trucks exceeding 3.5 tonnes were also withdrawn except for the UD model, which continued production until 1937. A military-specific TI version (TI 4 AE) was manufactured until 1938.

1931 range

The commercial vehicle portfolio Renault offered in 1931 included chassis designed for gross combined weights up to 8.5 tonnes for rigid trucks and as much as 16 tonnes for tractor units. Passenger configurations for buses and coaches ranged from seating for 10 individuals in the OS model up to 40 passengers in the TI and TI variants.

Model	Chassis code	Engines					Payload	Chassis lengths	Gearboxes	Type
		Fuel	C.	Displacement	Fiscal power	Power
Mona 6	RY2	Petrol	6	1,463 cc	8 CV	26 PS (19 kW)	400 kg	1	3-speed manual	Light van
KZ	KZ		4	2,120 cc	11 CV	33 PS (24 kW)	600 kg	2
OS	OS3						Payload range: 1,300–1,800 kg	1	4-speed manual	Light truck and bus/coach
PR	PR3						Up to 2,000 kg
SX	SX3		6 cylinders	3,180 cc	Fiscal power: 15/18 CV	53 PS (39 kW)	Payload between 2,000 and 2,500 kg	Axle count: 2
SZ	SZ3				Fiscal power:12 CV		Maximum payload: 3 tonnes	Single axle
TL
	-		Inline-four cylinders	Engine size:6,082 cc	Fiscal power:23 CV	60 PS (44 kW)	Payload capacity:4 tonnes			Truck and bus/coach
		Diesel variant		Engine displacement:7,060 cc	Fiscal power:27 CV	57 PS (42 kW)
TR
	TR Petrol	6,082 cc		23 CV	60 PS (44 kW)	Payload:5.5 tonnes	Truck
	TRD Diesel	7,060 cc		27 CV	57 PS (42 kW)
TS
	-	Petrol engine		6,082 cc	23 CV	60 PS (44 kW)		Payload capacity:7.5 tonnes		Axles:2
		Diesel engine		7,060 cc	27 CV	57 PS (42 kW)
TI model	-	Petrol powered	6 cylinders	9,120 cc	35 CV	100 PS (74 kW)	Seating for 30–35 passengers (short wheelbase) 35–40 passengers (long wheelbase)	Bus/coach
TI N variant	-		Inline-four cylinder engine	6,082 cc	23 CV	60 PS (44 kW)	Same seating capacity as TI model
SY model	-	Petrol fuelled	6 cylinders	3,180 cc	12 CV	53 PS (39 kW)	Hauling capacity of 6 tonnes	Single axle tractor unit
TT series
	-	Petrol powered inline-four engines with displacement of 6,082 cc and fiscal power of 23 CV producing 60 metric horsepower (44 kW) output with a hauling capacity of twelve tonnes
		rowspan=2 Diesel engines with displacement of7,060 cc delivering27 CV producing 57 metric horsepower (42 kW) output

1932 lineup

In 1932, Renault's commercial vehicle lineup included approximately twelve different chassis options, supporting gross combined weights up to 14 tonnes for rigid trucks and reaching 20 tonnes for tractor units. The bus and coach models were designed to carry between 12 passengers in the OS model and up to 45 in the TI variant.

SY||-||Petrol||6||3,180 cc||12 CV||53 metric horsepower (39 kW)|||4-speed manual|||rowspan=6|||Tractor unit TT||

Model	Chassis code	Engines					Payload	Chassis lengths	Gearboxes	Type
		Fuel	C.	Displacement	Fiscal power	Power
Mona 4	UY	Petrol	4	1,300 cc	7 CV	25 PS (18 kW)	500 kg	1	3-speed manual	Light van
Prima 4	YB			2,120 cc	11 CV	35 PS (26 kW)
Viva 4	KZ						800 kg	2
OS	OS4 OS5						1,300 kg	1	4-speed manual	Light truck and bus/coach
PR	PR4 PR5						2,000 kg
SX	SX4 SX5		6	3,180 cc	15/18 CV	53 PS (39 kW)		2
SZ	SZ4				12 CV		3.5 tonnes
TI
	TI 4		4	6,082 cc	23 CV	69 PS (51 kW)	5 tonnes	3		Truck and bus/coach
	TI 6		6	9,120 cc	35 CV	100 PS (74 kW)
	TI D4	Diesel	4	7,060 cc	27 CV	57 PS (42 kW)
	TI D6		6	10,590 cc	40 CV	87 PS (64 kW)
UD
	UD 4	Petrol	4	6,082 cc	23 CV	69 PS (51 kW)	7.5 tonnes	1		Truck
	UD 6		6	9,120 cc	35 CV	100 PS (74 kW)

1933 Model Range

The 1933 lineup of Renault's commercial vehicles maintained the previously established maximum gross combined weight limits, while certain bus and coach variants received enhancements to their chassis and suspension systems.

Model	Chassis code	Engine Specifications					Payload Capacity	Chassis Lengths	Transmission	Vehicle Category
		Fuel	C.	Displacement	Fiscal Horsepower	Rated Power
YP	YPB	Petrol	4	1,463 cc	8 CV	32 PS (24 kW)	750 kg	1	3-speed manual	Light van
KZ	KZB (KZ12)			2,120 cc	11 CV	35 PS (26 kW)
OS	OSB						1,300 kg		4-speed manual	Light truck and bus/coach
PR	PRB						2,000 kg
SX	SXB		6	3,180 cc	15/18 CV	53 PS (39 kW)		2
YF
	YFAB		4	4,050 cc	15 CV	65 PS (48 kW)	3.5 tonnes
	YFDB	Diesel		4,345 cc	12 CV	45 PS (33 kW)
TI
	TI 4 B	Petrol		6,082 cc	23 CV	69 PS (51 kW)	5.5 tonnes	3	5-speed manual	Truck and bus/coach
	TI 6 B		6	7,983 cc	30 CV	105 PS (77 kW)
	TI D4 B	Diesel	4	7,060 cc	19 CV	57 PS (42 kW)
	TI D6 B		6	10,590 cc	28 CV	87 PS (64 kW)
UD
	UD 4 B	Petrol	4	6,082 cc	23 CV	69 PS (51 kW)	7.5 tonnes	1		Truck
	UD 6 B		6	7,983 cc	30 CV	105 PS (77 kW)

1935 Model Range

In 1935, Renault's lineup of commercial vehicles included approximately 23 different chassis designs, with gross combined weight capacities reaching up to 20 tonnes. The bus and coach models varied in passenger capacity, ranging from 14 seats in the OS variant to 36 seats in the ZP variant. Multiple chassis configurations were specifically modified to comply with French regulatory standards.

Model	Chassis code	Engine details				Payload capacity	Chassis length options	Transmission	Vehicle type
		Fuel type	Cylinders	Displacement	Power output
YN	YN1	Petrol	4	1,463 cc	34 PS (25 kW)	450 kg	1	3-speed manual	Light van
YP	YPE					750 kg
KZ	KZE			2,120 cc	43 PS (32 kW)
OS	OSC					1,200 kg		4-speed manual	Light truck and bus/coach
ZJ	ZJC					2,000 kg
ZY
	ZYAE			4,050 cc	77 PS (57 kW)	2.5 tonnes	2
	ZYDE	Diesel		4,345 cc	47 PS (35 kW)				Light truck
YF
	YFAE	Petrol		4,050 cc	77 PS (57 kW)	3.5 tonnes			Truck and bus/coach
	YFDE	Diesel		4,345 cc	47 PS (35 kW)				Truck
ABF
	ABF	Petrol		5,900 cc	85 PS (63 kW)	4.5–5 tonnes			Forward control truck
	ABFD	Diesel		8,350 cc
TI
	TI 4 AE	Petrol		5,900 cc		5.5 tonnes		5-speed manual	Truck
	TI 4 DE	Diesel		8,350 cc
UD
	UD 6 AE	Petrol	6	7,983 cc	112 PS (82 kW)	7.5 tonnes
	UD 6 DE	Diesel		12,525 cc	130 PS (96 kW)