Saviem J
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Headquarters | Limoges , France |
| Products | Medium-duty trucks (J series) |
| Parent | Renault Véhicules Industriels |
The Saviem J series consisted of medium-duty trucks manufactured by the French companies Saviem and Renault Véhicules Industriels between 1975 and 1980.
History
During the early 1970s, Saviem joined forces with DAF, Magirus-Deutz, and Volvo to create the Club of Four, a collaborative effort aimed at developing a medium-duty truck through the European Truck Development (ETD) initiative based in the Netherlands.
Launched in 1975, the Saviem J initially featured MAN engines produced under license and assembled at Saviem's facility in Limoges. Subsequent iterations incorporated different powerplants. The model range was introduced to the United Kingdom market in 1979, shortly before Saviem transitioned to the Renault brand.
Dimensions
The first offerings included three variants: JN 90 with a 9-ton gross vehicle weight (GVW), JP 11 rated at 11 tons GVW, and JP 13 available in versions A, B, and C. These models provided wheelbase options ranging roughly from 2.7 meters up to 5.2 meters.
Later on, a lighter JK series powered by four-cylinder engines was added, comprising JK 60 (6-ton GVW), JK 65 (6.5-ton GVW), and JK 75 (7.5-ton GVW), with wheelbases spanning from about 2.7 to 4.45 meters. The six-cylinder JN models extended the capacity between 7.5 and 8.5 tons GVW. Additionally, the JR/JX lineup targeted trucks exceeding a 19-ton GVW threshold.
Engines
At launch, the J series utilized two straight-six MAN engines of 5.49 liters displacement (types 597 and 598), which had been previously installed in the Saviem SM7 and SM8. The naturally aspirated 597 engine produced power at 2,900 rpm along with torque at 1,700 rpm. Meanwhile, the turbocharged version, 598, delivered higher output figures. The JK models employed a MAN-licensed straight-four engine designated as the 720, generating power at 3,000 rpm and torque at 1,680 rpm.
Transmission
A fully synchronized five-speed ZF S 5.35 gearbox was standard across all variants initially. Later JK models adopted the ZF S 5.25 transmission or a gear system manufactured by Saviem itself.
Suspension
The suspension setup for the J range consisted of leaf springs combined with shock absorbers and anti-roll bars on both front and rear axles. Steering was managed through a worm and sector mechanism.