Renault Super Goélette
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1955 |
| Fate | Merged into Renault Véhicules Industriels (RVI) in 1980 |
| Successor | Renault Véhicules Industriels (RVI) |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Commercial vehicles, including Renault Super Goélette |
The Renault Super Goélette is a light-duty commercial vehicle with a gross weight ranging from 3.3 to 3.5 tonnes. Initially manufactured by Saviem and sold under the Renault brand from 1965 until 1970, production and marketing were then handled by Saviem until 1980, and subsequently by Renault Véhicules Industriels (RVI) up to 1982.
Introduced in June 1965, the Super Goélette SG2 succeeded the original Goélette model, featuring enhancements such as a broad curved windshield, upgraded suspension with front coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, along with increased ground clearance. The gasoline-powered "Étendard" engine remained in use, while diesel options were added, including the 2.7-liter Saviem 580-03 for the SG2 D and a 3.0-liter 591–01 diesel engine shared with the Saviem Super Galion.
By late 1966, the vehicle’s front design was updated to incorporate a larger windshield, a redesigned grille, and dual-tone lighting; interior dashboard modifications were also implemented. In 1967, round headlights were replaced by rectangular ones, and two new variants appeared: a four-wheel-drive version (later known as the Saviem TP3) and the front-wheel-drive Trafic SB2 tailored for urban delivery tasks, featuring a low loading floor and a floor-mounted gear selector. Diesel engines were enhanced with MAN-licensed direct injection technology available in two power levels. The Super Goélette SG2 was also marketed internationally under different names such as Alfa Romeo-Saviem A15 in Italy and MAN 270 in Germany.
For the 1969 model year, diesel powertrains evolved to use the Renault 712 series engines with MAN direct injection and an increased displacement of 3.3 liters. A three-speed automatic transmission option became available in 1971. From 1970 onwards, both the SG2 and SB2 models were rebranded under the Saviem name.
The SG3 variant was launched in January 1974, distinguished by dual rear wheels and leaf spring rear suspension. Styling updates continued with the addition of a large black plastic grille in 1977. Following the merger between Berliet and Saviem in April 1980, these vehicles were marketed under the RVI badge.
Throughout the 1970s, the SG2 was extensively utilized until it was phased out by the Renault Master in 1980. Meanwhile, production of the SG3 persisted until it was replaced by the Renault B-series in 1982; however, it remained available for export markets beyond that date. Licensed manufacturing was carried out by Avia Motors in Czechoslovakia until 2000, undergoing several revisions before transitioning to the Avia D series.
Moreover, licensed assembly took place at Bulgaria’s state-owned Madara Lorry Works located in Shumen, supported technically by Avia. The Madara 201 truck benefited from partnerships involving Škoda, LIAZ, Avia Motors, and Soviet GAZ enterprises.
Saviem TP3
Produced from 1969 through 1983, the TP3 represented a military adaptation of the Super Goélette van. It was developed to replace Renault’s earlier 2087 Goélette 4x4 and Simca Marmon models within French armed forces service as both platform trucks and ambulances. Equipped with a more robust engine and utilizing a gearbox sourced from the Saviem SM8, the TP3 was engineered to meet rigorous military demands. Approximately 11,000 units were manufactured; some units were exported while a limited quantity was sold for civilian use.
The TP3’s role was eventually taken over by the Renault Messenger 4x4 and the larger Renault TRM 2000 models, both derived from civilian Saviem platforms.