Saviem
| File:Logo saviem.jpg | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive industry |
| Predecessors | |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Defunct | 1978 |
| Fate | Integrated into Renault Véhicules Industriels |
| Successor | Renault Trucks |
| Headquarters | , France |
| Products | Trucks, light commercial vehicles, buses/coaches |
| Parent | Régie Nationale des Usines Renault |
The Société Anonyme de Véhicules Industriels et d'Équipements Mécaniques (commonly known as Saviem) was a French manufacturer specializing in trucks and buses/coaches, operating under the umbrella of the Renault group. Its headquarters were located in Suresnes, within the Île-de-France region. Founded in 1955 through the consolidation of Renault’s heavy vehicle division with the companies Somua and Latil, Saviem remained active until 1978, when it merged with competitor Berliet, resulting in the creation of Renault Véhicules Industriels.
At its inception, Saviem inherited several production facilities scattered across France, mainly concentrated around Paris, sourced from its predecessor firms and from Chausson. Over time, manufacturing operations became centralized at assembly plants located in Blainville-sur-Orne for trucks and in Annonay for buses and coaches. The company actively pursued strategic alliances and technology-sharing collaborations to broaden its product portfolio and expand market presence.
Initial Phase
In late 1946, due to financial difficulties, Renault halted production of heavy trucks, losing its dominant position in the French market that it had held before World War II. To regain footing, Renault’s chief engineer Fernand Picard proposed a limited lineup of trucks and buses powered by a single 105 CV engine in 1950; however, this initiative did not succeed. By 1953, Renault altered its approach towards growth through acquisitions, beginning with the purchases of Somua and Latil. In October 1955, these entities merged with Renault’s truck and bus operations to establish Saviem, with Schneider (owner of Somua) and the Blum family (owners of Latil) maintaining equity stakes. Initially, the original brand names were retained alongside Saviem; however, from 1957 onward products were marketed under the Saviem-LRS designation (representing Latil, Renault, Somua), which was streamlined to simply Saviem by 1960. By 1959, Saviem had become a fully owned subsidiary of Renault. Its early product line featured small commercial vehicles derived from Renault models such as the Renault Goélette and Renault Galion, alongside new medium and heavy trucks equipped with engines from Alfa Romeo. Bus and coach production benefited from collaboration with Chausson. With a strategy focused on volume sales, Saviem quickly rose to lead France's commercial vehicle market.
Vehicle Development and Collaborations
During the early 1960s, Saviem introduced refreshed JL series trucks for both heavy and medium-duty applications, along with new bus and coach models. The medium-duty S range was unveiled at the 1964 Paris Motor Show featuring engines supplied by Renault and Perkins. In January 1961, Saviem expanded by acquiring the bus manufacturer Floirat based in Annonay and entered into a cooperation agreement with German firm Henschel-Werke. Under the leadership of Pierre Dreyfus from 1962 onwards, the company enhanced its European partnerships while securing substantial government funding aimed at modernizing operations; this included acquiring a diesel engine factory in Limoges. Between 1963 and 1966, production activities transitioned away from Paris to focus on facilities in Blainville-sur-Orne for trucks and Annonay for buses. By 1967, Blainville's output reached approximately 26,000 heavy goods vehicles annually while Annonay produced around 1,777 buses and coaches. In 1965, Saviem further diversified by acquiring Richard-Continental, a French manufacturer of heavy equipment competing with companies like Caterpillar.
From 1963 until 1977, Saviem maintained a partnership with German manufacturer MAN SE; by 1967 this collaboration extended to exchanging components such as cabs for axles and engines. This cooperation resulted in truck series like the SM (Saviem-MAN) and JM ranges. Additionally, Renault launched the Super Galion model developed jointly with Czech company Avia. In 1975, Saviem became one of the founding members of the Club of Four, alongside manufacturers DAF, Volvo, and Magirus-Deutz (later absorbed into Iveco) to produce medium-sized trucks collaboratively. That same year also saw Saviem supplying engines for Romania’s DAC 6135 trucks; acquiring the company Sinpar; and completing a joint venture engine manufacturing plant (Sofim) located in Foggia, Italy—established together with Fiat and Alfa Romeo—at an investment cost of .
In January 1968, workers’ demonstrations at the Blainville-sur-Orne facility played a notable role in sparking wider social unrest during the May events in France.
Merger with Berliet
In response to a French government effort aimed at streamlining heavy vehicle manufacturing, Renault took over the truck and bus producer Berliet from the Michelin group in 1975. Subsequently, in 1978, Berliet combined with Saviem to establish Renault Véhicules Industriels (RVI). For two years, the original brand names were retained as their product lines merged, until April 1980 when all models were consolidated under the Renault brand, marking the discontinuation of the Saviem name. In 1977, during its final year operating independently within Renault, Saviem manufactured 35,059 buses, coaches, and trucks.
Vénissieux and Saint-Ouen
Originally Somua factories, the Vénissieux plant produced trucks until 1962. Meanwhile, Saint-Ouen was dedicated to engine assembly until these operations were relocated to Limoges in 1964; Limoges later specialized in automotive parts production.
Suresnes and Saint-Cloud
These sites, formerly belonging to Latil, gradually halted manufacturing activities but continued to serve as Renault’s corporate headquarters and research and development hub.
Argenteuil
Purchased from Chausson in 1960, the Argenteuil facility manufactured components utilized by both Saviem and Chausson.
Annonay
Operating since 1961, this factory focused on building coaches and buses and originated from the Floirat and Isobloc companies.
Blainville-sur-Orne
Founded in 1956 on the grounds of former Cahen shipyards, Blainville became Saviem’s exclusive truck manufacturing plant starting in 1966.
Limoges
In May 1964, under government directive, the Limoges factory—specializing in aircraft engine components—was transferred to Saviem. This site became central to the company’s engine assembly operations.
Lyon
The Richard-Continental division of Saviem managed two production facilities located in Lyon.
Trucks and light commercial vehicles
- Saviem/Renault Galion
- Saviem/Renault Goélette
- Saviem Super Galion
- Saviem Super Goélette
- Saviem H
- Saviem J
- Saviem JL
- Saviem JM
- Saviem P
- Saviem S
- Saviem SM
- Saviem PX
Buses and coaches
- Saviem R-series
- Saviem ZR 20
- Saviem-Floirat ZF 20
- Saviem SC (Saviem-Chausson) 1/2/5
- Saviem SC10
- Saviem S45
- Saviem S53
- Saviem S105
- Saviem E5
- Saviem E7
Military trucks
- Saviem SM8 TRM 4000